During a recent investigation, iFixit explored the Huaqiangbei district in Shenzhen, China, known for its counterfeit electronics. They purchased imitation models of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Max 2, and AirPods Pro 3 and subsequently disassembled them in their studio.
Shahram Mokhtari from iFixit observed several discrepancies in the fake Apple Watch Ultra 3, including a 260 mAh battery that is less than half the capacity of the authentic version. The device's sensors were merely painted onto the plastic shell. Additionally, when interacting with the device, tapping apps activated Night Mode instead.
The counterfeit AirPods Max 2 revealed significant differences in build quality, featuring a plastic shell instead of aluminum. The ear cushions felt softer, and the knockoffs lacked essential features such as active noise cancellation. While the ear detection system functioned similarly to the originals, the internal assembly showed signs of poor craftsmanship.
Overall, while the counterfeit products may appear similar at first glance, the functionality and internal components reveal substantial flaws when examined closely.