Why do my AirPods Pro show different serial numbers?

The answer is simple. Counterfeiters fake AirPods serial numbers easier than they can manufacture the devices or copy the packaging. There is no serial number check that will prove the AirPods are legitimate, because they are copies are actual serial numbers. They manufacture many AirPods with that same serial number.

Just based on how big the counterfeit market is for AirPods, if you purchased them from a third party, they are most likely fake. Even if you checked the serial number and it matched a legitimate pair, when you attempt to get service they would be denied.

To answer your specific questions, yes the serial numbers will show different on the left and right AirPod whether they are legitimate or not. The counterfeiters know that too. And if you get a replacement pair of AirPods, they will have a different serial number. No two sets of legitimate AirPods will have the same serial number. AirPods are manufactured in both Vietnam and China, so that will not tell you if they are fake or not.

If you are looking for legitimate AirPods, the only way you know for sure they are real is to buy them from Apple or Authorized Apple Seller. If you purchased a counterfeit pair and are happy with them because they are cheaper, that is fine too. You just won't be able to get service and some of the features may not work correctly or you may experience poor audio quality and shorter Bluetooth range. In any case, the choice is yours.

Bonzi_NZ wrote:

Could you purchase an Apple product from a legit Apple Store and it still be a fake by chance??

I have not seen where that has ever happened at an Apple Store. I have seen a report where an Authorized Apple Seller sold a pair of AirPods that had been returned and those ended up being counterfeit. The one I remember was from Best Buy and it is clearly against even their policy, but for some reason at the store level they felt that it could be resold. That also violates Apple's policy for what is allowed by their resellers. Not sure what happened in that case. They made contact with Best Buy corporate and Apple was also involved for a resolution.