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These AirPods Pro 3 open box units are drawing attention for strong value, especially when promo codes or Venmo checkout drop the price well below retail. The main appeal is that many pairs appear to be genuine, with Apple serial checks, working features, and in several cases AppleCare plus coverage running into 2028. Cosmetic wear is common, though, with beat up boxes, micro scratches, and occasional signs of prior use. The biggest caution is authenticity and Find My behavior, since some pairs need resets or purchase date updates while others are returned as mismatches or fakes, making this a higher risk open box buy.
Apple device owners who want active noise cancellation and spatial audio, because the earbuds work properly once paired and can sound better than the previous generation.
Buyers who want zero authenticity risk, because several reports describe fake or mismatched units and Find My can behave inconsistently on problem pairs.
People who need a plug-and-play setup, because some pairs require resets, re-pairing, or purchase-date updates before Find My and warranty status work correctly.
Shoppers relying on a specific warranty outcome, because coverage can vary between standard warranty and AppleCare+ depending on the unit and purchase date.
The units can be legitimate Apple AirPods Pro 3, but the coverage is inconsistent: some arrive with AppleCare+ already attached through early 2028, while others show only an Allstate warranty or an unvalidated purchase date. Checking the serial numbers in Apple's support app and updating the purchase date can reveal whether AppleCare+ is active.
A real pair should pass Apple serial checks, show up correctly in Find My, register in Settings, and support normal features like play sound, firmware updates, and the Apple Music trial. Red flags include AirPods Mismatch, setup incomplete, missing Find Nearby, or Find My behavior that keeps breaking after resets.
Yes. Installing the Apple Support app and updating the purchase date in My Devices can make AppleCare+ recalculate, with reported extensions to dates like March 2028 or January 2028. This is useful when Apple initially says it cannot validate the purchase date.
Expect used/open-box signs such as a beat-up or torn box, micro-scratches on the case, small ear tips already installed, and sometimes dirt or earwax. Some units arrive looking nearly pristine inside, but cosmetic wear is common enough that cleaning them before use is practical.
The issue can come from pairing glitches, and some units start working after a reset, re-pairing, or a full Find My/Bluetooth reset sequence. If the problem keeps returning after troubleshooting, it may indicate a defective or fake unit rather than a normal setup issue.
I received mine earlier this morning and can confirm they are legit. I checked all the serial numbers, including both on the AirPods stems and the case and the box as well as tested every single feature real ones should have versus the fake based on a 30 minute YouTube video and other forums. They passed the serial number check on Apple's website. They were purchased early in October originally and do you have the two year AppleCare leading me to believe these were Costco returns. Everything shows up correctly in settings and in Find My, and I was able to register with no problem and Apple recognize the AirPods and gave me three months free Apple Music trial.
coming to report the same as above! Received mine yesterday, and can confirm they are real aswell after doing similar tests and inspecting.
My box looked legit, it was just taped shut with simple clear strips of tape, and had an inventory label from ebay seller. the case looked "open box", it had micro-scratches that are super easy to get on these, but thats it, inside the case and earbuds looked completely clean, and came with all tip sizes.
Interestingly enough, mine also came with Applecare+ included, but lasting through Jan 2028?
got mine. I got error message as "We're sorry, but we're currently unable to validate your AirPods purchase date. Please make sure your AirPods are paired with your iPhone or iPad. Then please sign in with your Apple Account and update the date of purchase from your receipt."
got mine. I got error message as "We're sorry, but we're currently unable to validate your AirPods purchase date. Please make sure your AirPods are paired with your iPhone or iPad. Then please sign in with your Apple Account and update the date of purchase from your receipt."
Also I am sending mine back. thank you.
Pair them to an apple device and you can check the status there..
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Pair them to an apple device and you can check the status there..
I suspect these will be a standard one-year warranty, not AC+, right? My condition isn't great; there are scratches and a couple of hair strands on the eartips.
I suspect these will be a standard one-year warranty, not AC+, right? My condition isn't great; there are scratches and a couple of hair strands on the eartips.
I suspect these will be a standard one-year warranty, not AC+, right? My condition isn't great; there are scratches and a couple of hair strands on the eartips.
AppleCare+ until 2028. Time to listen to tunes while doing dangerous sports. Woot! š
Pair them to an apple device and you can check the status there..
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from George_P_Burdell
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got mine. I got error message as "We're sorry, but we're currently unable to validate your AirPods purchase date. Please make sure your AirPods are paired with your iPhone or iPad. Then please sign in with your Apple Account and update the date of purchase from your receipt."
Also I am sending mine back. thank you.
I got the same error message after pairing. I also see AC+ until Jan 2028. What to do? return? keep?
EDIT: I then downloaded the Apple Support app on my iphone and then was able to update my purchase date to 12/1/2025 without any issue. Then the AC+ automatically updated to 3/1/2028.
Last edited by TwincH December 4, 2025 at 04:23 PM.
⦠I then downloaded the Apple Support app on my iphone and then was able to update my purchase date to 12/1/2025 without any issue. Then the AC+ automatically updated to 3/1/2028.
Thanks for the tip. I updated the purchase date in the app and received the period extension.
Got mine today as well. Box was sorta beat up. Serial numbers checked out. Apple care until 01/2028, cleaned the crap out of them with rubbing alcohol. Good to go!
Took a chance--they're fake and will be returning. They don't show up properly in Find My and say AirPods Mismatch. Serial numbers and warranty don't mean anything.
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Community Reviews
These AirPods Pro 3 open box units are drawing attention for strong value, especially when promo codes or Venmo checkout drop the price well below retail. The main appeal is that many pairs appear to be genuine, with Apple serial checks, working features, and in several cases AppleCare plus coverage running into 2028. Cosmetic wear is common, though, with beat up boxes, micro scratches, and occasional signs of prior use. The biggest caution is authenticity and Find My behavior, since some pairs need resets or purchase date updates while others are returned as mismatches or fakes, making this a higher risk open box buy.
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AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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My box looked legit, it was just taped shut with simple clear strips of tape, and had an inventory label from ebay seller. the case looked "open box", it had micro-scratches that are super easy to get on these, but thats it, inside the case and earbuds looked completely clean, and came with all tip sizes.
Interestingly enough, mine also came with Applecare+ included, but lasting through Jan 2028?
glad I picked these up!
Same mine came, legit and authentic. with AppleCare until 2028, incredible!
Also I am sending mine back. thank you.
Also I am sending mine back. thank you.
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Also I am sending mine back. thank you.
EDIT: I then downloaded the Apple Support app on my iphone and then was able to update my purchase date to 12/1/2025 without any issue. Then the AC+ automatically updated to 3/1/2028.
⦠I then downloaded the Apple Support app on my iphone and then was able to update my purchase date to 12/1/2025 without any issue. Then the AC+ automatically updated to 3/1/2028.
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