Which AirPods are there, exactly? Since 2016, Apple has released several generations of AirPods, plus AirPods Pro with ear tips. Some models look confusingly similar. Here you’ll find all generations at a glance, with the year and the features that help you identify them.
All AirPods generations at a glance
- AirPods 1 (2016): the first AirPods. You control them by double-tapping, and the charging case has a Lightning connector.
- AirPods 2 (2019): look like AirPods 1 and are also controlled by double-tapping. The charging case was available for charging with a cable or wirelessly.
- AirPods Pro 1 (2019): the first AirPods with silicone ear tips in three sizes and with noise cancellation. Controlled via a force sensor on the stem.
- AirPods 3 (2021): new design with a much shorter stem and a force sensor, protected against sweat and water. Charging case with Lightning or with MagSafe.
- AirPods Pro 2 (2022, with USB-C from 2023): volume control by swiping the stem, ear tips in four sizes, charging case with a speaker and a lanyard loop. Available with Lightning or with USB-C.
- AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC (2024): charging case with USB-C and no visible button. Only the version with ANC has noise cancellation and a case that also charges wirelessly. More on this in the guide AirPods 4 with or without ANC.
- AirPods Pro 3 (2025): with heart rate sensors, ear tips in five sizes from XXS to L and a USB-C charging case with no visible button.
- AirPods 5 (2026): the latest generation, with noise cancellation. Available with a standard charging case or with a wireless charging case, both with USB-C.
There are also AirPods Max. These are large headphones that sit over your ears, so they’re not earbuds.
How to identify your generation
The most reliable way is the model number. It starts with A and is printed in small type on each AirPod. On your iPhone, you’ll find it under “Settings” when you tap the name of your AirPods near the top. Our list Which AirPods do I have? shows which number belongs to which generation.
A few features help you at first glance:
- Silicone ear tips: these are AirPods Pro. Without ear tips, they’re regular AirPods.
- Long stem, no ear tips: AirPods 1 or 2. The easiest way to tell the two apart is the model number.
- Button on the back of the charging case: AirPods 1, 2 or 3, AirPods Pro 1 or Pro 2. No visible button: AirPods 4, AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3.
- Status light inside the case: the Lightning charging case of AirPods 1 and 2.
- Speaker on the bottom of the case and a lanyard loop on the side: AirPods Pro 2 or Pro 3.
Which AirPods are right for you?
Regular AirPods sit openly in your ear, without ear tips. Your ear stays open, which many people find comfortable. AirPods Pro seal your ear with ear tips and block out more noise. You’ll find a detailed comparison in the guides AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2 or Pro 3.
Replacement parts only fit your own generation
An AirPod only works together with an AirPod of the same generation. Also pay attention to the version: AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning and with USB-C don’t go together, and neither do AirPods 4 with and without ANC. Which charging case fits your AirPods is also shown in the list of model numbers.
If you’re missing an AirPod or the case, you don’t need a new pair. At Lostpod, you can get the left or right AirPod and the charging case individually, as a genuine replacement part. How to find the right part is explained in the guide Buy a single AirPod.
Frequently asked questions
Which generation are AirPods A2031?
A2031 is the right AirPod from AirPods 2. The matching left AirPod has the number A2032.
How many AirPods generations are there?
There are five generations of regular AirPods, from AirPods 1 to AirPods 5. AirPods Pro have three. Then there are AirPods Max, which are large headphones.
Are AirPods 3 or 4 better?
AirPods 4 are newer. They have a newer chip, charge via USB-C, are also protected against dust and are also available with noise cancellation. If your AirPods 3 still work well and only one part is missing, a single replacement part is often enough.
Are AirPods 2 or 4 better?
AirPods 4 are much newer: newer chip, USB-C, protection against dust, sweat and water and, if you want, noise cancellation. AirPods 2 aren’t protected against water. If only one part of your AirPods 2 is missing, a single replacement AirPod is often enough.
