This Company’s Earbuds Are So Similar To Apple AirPods, US Customs Seized Them As Counterfeit

One could be forgiven for mistaking some of the many true wireless earbuds on offer for Apple’s hugely popular AirPods. In fact, to be a bit cynical about it, the similarity is almost certainly part of the business model for certain, less scrupulous companies.

However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Monday night seized a shipment of 2,000 real OnePlus Buds, believing the legitimate products from a well-known company to be Apple counterfeits, the Verge reports.

“THAT’S NOT AN [apple emoji],” CBP proudly proclaimed in a tweet. “CBP officers at JFK Airport seized 2,000 counterfeit Apple AirPods from Hong Kong, valued at $398K had they been genuine.”

In a photo included with the tweet, the OnePlus branding is clearly visible on one of the seized boxes. While tech fans might have a laugh at how similar their Buds look to Apple’s market-ruling products, they are entirely legitimate. Based in Shenzhen, OnePlus is a major electronic producer in China that also produces popular smartphones, wireless chargers, and TVs.

“Hey, give those back!” OnePlus tweeted in response, attempting to approach the embarrassing ordeal with a sense of levity. Later, it poked more phone at the seizure in an ad post, urging followers to “Seize the Day. Seize the music.”

CBP has not yet issued a statement on the gaffe. At this stage, it is not clear why the mix-up happened, be it ignorance on the part of the officers inspecting the shipment or if perhaps the seized shipment was mistakenly listed as containing Apple products.