That’s Not An Apple: US Customs Mistakes OnePlus Buds For Knock-Off AirPods
by Jake NelsonIn an embarrassing bungle, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seized 2000 OnePlus Buds earbuds, mistaking them for “counterfeit” Apple AirPods.
CBP officers confiscated the Nevada-bound shipment from Hong Kong at New York’s JFK airport, claiming in a press release that “had they been genuine”, the earbuds would have been worth $398,000 USD.
“CBP Officers are protecting the American public from various dangers on a daily basis. The interception of these counterfeit earbuds is a direct reflection of the vigilance and commitment to mission success by our CBP Officers daily,” said Troy Miller, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
The only problem – while they looked similar to AirPods, these were genuine earbuds: specifically, OnePlus Buds, which retail for $79 USD and were released this year alongside the Chinese manufacturer’s OnePlus Nord smartphone; this makes the actual value of the shipment $158,000 USD.
OnePlus USA was quick to respond to CBP’s tweet announcing the “bust”.
https://twitter.com/OnePlus_USA/status/1305366058501509121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1305366058501509121%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnet.com%2Fnews%2Fus-customs-seize-2000-oneplus-buds-thinking-theyre-counterfeit-airpods%2F
OnePlus Buds retail in Australia for $129, while second-generation AirPods sell for $249.