CT scans put Apple devices up against their counterfeits

This article originally appeared on Sound & Video Contractor 

Industrial scanner manufacturer Lumafield has been using its technology to showcase the difference between electronic devices, such as Apple’s $130 USB-C charger and its much cheaper peers. Last week, it used its Neptune CT scanner to examine a couple of counterfeit Apple devices against their authentic counterparts, namely the Apple 85 W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter, as well as the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation. Lumafield’s Jon Bruner discussed some of the major findings with Adam Savage on Savage’s YouTube channel.

The real and counterfeit Power Adapter look remarkably similar on the surface, but the CT scan reveals a bevy of differences. Lumafield states that while the authentic adapter contains “sophisticated power management system that includes components for power conditioning and conversion,” the counterfeit has less complex circuitry, omitting the filtering features that allow Apple’s device to ensure safety and longevity. The counterfeit also lacks any grounding, and a much simpler heat sink design.

The counterfeit AirPods don’t fare any better, with the Lumafield noting that the CT scan reveals that Apple’s device contains “meticulously-engineered button cell batteries in each earbud,” while the fakes house lithium-ion pouch cell batteries that could potentially be less safe. Additionally, the imposters use off-the-shelf components crammed into each earbud, and feature fewer microphones and less control circuitry, meaning sound quality will definitely take a big hit. One of the counterfeits examined didn’t even offer wireless charging, making them all but useless in charging case.

See also: L-Acoustics Hosts Destruction Event of Fake Professional Speaker Systems to Safeguard the Live Event Industry