Every Apple accessory we sell is serial-verified, but the wider market is full of convincing fakes. Here is how to check one yourself.
The physical tells
- Genuine plastic has a fine matte texture; fakes are glossier and lighter.
- The pins on a real charger are recessed slightly and perfectly aligned.
- The moulded text is crisp. Blurry or slightly uneven lettering is a red flag.
The weight test
A real 20W USB-C adapter weighs about 45 grams. Counterfeits skip internal components and come in noticeably under 30 grams.
Check the serial
Genuine accessories carry a serial you can verify on Apple's coverage checker. No serial, or one that returns nothing, means walk away.
Why it matters
A fake charger skips the protection circuitry that stops overvoltage and overheating. The saving is never worth a damaged phone or a fire risk on your bedside table.