What Is the AirPod A2564?

What Is the AirPod A2564?

The A2564 is Apple's 3rd Generation left AirPod (2021). Here's everything you need to know — specs, identification, troubleshooting, and where to get a replacement.

The AirPod A2564 is the left earbud from Apple's 3rd Generation AirPods, released in October 2021. If you see "A2564" printed inside your AirPod or on its original packaging, you have a 3rd Gen left earbud paired with a Lightning MagSafe charging case. The right earbud from the same set is model A2565.

People often search for "AirPod 2564" — that's the exact same product. Apple uses the "A" prefix followed by a number for all their model identifiers, so A2564 and "AirPod 2564" are interchangeable.

A2564 Full Specs

Here's everything inside the A2564 — Apple's 3rd Generation left AirPod with Lightning MagSafe charging.

Spec Detail
Model Number A2564 (left earbud)
Generation AirPods 3rd Generation (2021)
Chip Apple H1
Charging Lightning case with MagSafe wireless charging
Battery Life Up to 6 hours listening / 4 hours talk time
Water Resistance IPX4 (sweat and water resistant)
Key Features Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, force sensor controls
Companion Right Earbud A2565
Companion Charging Case A2566 (MagSafe Lightning case)
Key Takeaway: The A2564 is specifically the left earbud. If you need the right earbud, you're looking for model A2565. The charging case is A2566. You can replace each component individually — no need to buy a complete set.

How to Find the Model Number on Your AirPods

Not sure if you have the A2564? There are three quick ways to confirm your model number:

1. Check the earbud itself

Remove the AirPod from the charging case and look for the model number printed in small text inside the ear piece, near the area that sits in the case.

2. Check on your iPhone

With your AirPods connected, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods, and scroll down to see the model number for each earbud.

3. Check the original packaging

The model number is printed on the box your AirPods came in, usually near the barcode and regulatory text.

Still not sure? Use our AirPods Model Number Lookup tool — enter your model number and we'll tell you exactly what generation you have.

How the A2564 Compares to Other AirPods

The A2564 (3rd Gen) sits between the 2nd Generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro lineup. Here's how the generations stack up:

Feature 2nd Gen (A2031/A2032) 3rd Gen — A2564 ✓ AirPods Pro (A2083/A2084)
Design Long stems Shorter stems, redesigned Short stems, silicone tips
Controls Double-tap gesture Force sensor (squeeze) Force sensor (squeeze)
Spatial Audio No Yes, with head tracking Yes, with head tracking
Water Resistance None IPX4 IPX4
Active Noise Cancellation No No Yes
Battery Life 5 hours 6 hours 4.5 hours (ANC on)
Fit Type Open-fit, universal Open-fit, universal In-ear, silicone tips (S/M/L)
Bottom Line: The 3rd Gen A2564 is a significant upgrade over the 2nd Gen — Spatial Audio, water resistance, and force sensor controls. But it still uses an open-fit design without silicone ear tips, so Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Transparency are exclusive to the AirPods Pro line.

Troubleshooting Your Left AirPod (A2564)

Before ordering a replacement, try these quick fixes for common A2564 issues:

1. No sound from the left ear

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance and make sure the slider is centered. An off-center balance is one of the most common (and most overlooked) causes.

2. Won't connect or pair

Place both AirPods in the case, open the lid, and press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white. Then re-pair via Settings > Bluetooth.

3. Audio sounds muffled or quiet

Clean the speaker mesh gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush. Earwax buildup is the most common cause of muffled sound — it happens gradually, so you might not notice until it's significant.

4. Force sensor not responding

The 3rd Gen uses a force sensor (squeeze), not a tap gesture like the 2nd Gen. Press the stem firmly — if it still doesn't respond, try resetting your AirPods using the method above.

5. Battery drains unusually fast

After 2–3 years of daily use, lithium-ion battery degradation is normal. If your left AirPod used to last 6 hours and now dies after 2–3 hours, the battery has likely passed its useful life.

When to Replace: If none of the above fixes work — or if your battery life has degraded significantly — the earbud likely needs to be replaced. The good news: you can replace just the left AirPod without buying a full set.

Replace Just What You Need

Genuine Apple A2564 left earbuds — tested, verified, and shipped same-day.

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A2564 Replacement Options & Costs

If your left AirPod is lost, damaged, or the battery is shot, you have a few options. Here's the honest cost comparison:

Option Cost Best For
Buy a brand new set $169 Both earbuds + case are failing, or you want to upgrade
Apple battery service $49 per earbud Under AppleCare+; otherwise a replacement makes more sense
Replace left earbud only $44.99 (from ReCellExchange) Left earbud lost or failing; case and right earbud still work
Replace charging case only $49–$79 (from ReCellExchange) Case won't charge or hold charge; earbuds still work fine
The Smart Move: If only your left AirPod needs replacing, buying a single genuine A2564 replacement saves you over $100 compared to a brand new set — and it pairs instantly with your existing right AirPod and case.

How to Pair a Replacement A2564

Once your replacement left AirPod arrives, pairing it with your existing right AirPod takes about 60 seconds:

1. Place both AirPods in the case

Put your old right AirPod and the new left AirPod (A2564) into the charging case together.

2. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds

This lets the case recognize the new earbud.

3. Open the lid and press the setup button

Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.

4. Pair on your iPhone

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, select your AirPods, and follow the on-screen prompts. Done.

Pro Tip: If pairing doesn't work on the first try, "Forget This Device" in your Bluetooth settings first, then repeat the steps above. For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our full AirPods pairing guide.

All 3rd Gen AirPods Model Numbers

The 3rd Generation AirPods family includes three separate components, each with its own model number:

A2564

Left Earbud

3rd Gen, Lightning MagSafe

A2565

Right Earbud

3rd Gen, Lightning MagSafe

A2566

Charging Case

MagSafe Lightning case

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "AirPod 2564" the same as "A2564"?
Yes — they refer to the exact same product. Apple uses the "A" prefix followed by a number for all their model identifiers. When people search for "AirPod 2564," they mean model number A2564, which is the 3rd Generation left AirPod.
Can I use an A2564 replacement with my existing right AirPod and case?
Yes. A genuine A2564 replacement will pair seamlessly with your existing A2565 right earbud and A2566 charging case. Just place both AirPods in the case, press the setup button, and re-pair via Bluetooth. The process takes about 60 seconds.
Will a 2nd Gen AirPod work in a 3rd Gen case?
No. The 3rd Gen AirPods have a completely different physical design than the 2nd Gen. They won't fit in each other's cases, and the earbuds are not cross-compatible between generations. Make sure you're ordering the correct model number (A2564 for 3rd Gen left).
Does the A2564 have noise cancellation?
No. The 3rd Gen AirPods (A2564/A2565) use an open-fit design without silicone ear tips, so they don't support Active Noise Cancellation or Adaptive Transparency. Those features are exclusive to the AirPods Pro line. The 3rd Gen does support Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ.
How long does the A2564 battery last?
When new, the 3rd Gen AirPods deliver up to 6 hours of listening time or 4 hours of talk time on a single charge. The MagSafe charging case provides up to 30 hours of total listening time. After 2–3 years of regular use, expect battery capacity to drop to around 65–75% of original performance.
Are ReCellExchange replacement AirPods genuine Apple?
Yes. All our replacement earbuds and cases are 100% original Apple components — sourced from open-box pulls and verified for authenticity. They come with free shipping, same-day dispatch, and a 90-day warranty.

Need a Replacement A2564?

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