AirPods tool aims to tell the difference between clogs and faults

Apple has allegedly started to roll out a tool to Apple Stores that can perform an initial test on AirPods before being fully serviced, one that can determine if a loss of sound quality is a genuine fault or caused by dirt buildup.

A common problem endured by users of personal audio devices is a loss of sound quality or volume over time. While it is possible that the hardware has developed a fault, there's also the chance that the earphones could be affected by dirt blocking the airway, which could feasibly be rectified with a clean.

In a tweet by serial leaker "@choco_bit" on Twitter, Apple is said to be providing a new audio testing tool for AirPods that will quickly work out whether the issue is related to too much gunk in the accessories or a real fault. The tool takes the form of a tray that's slightly larger than an iPhone, and designed to seat an iPhone supplied by the store.

Apple is rolling out a proper audio test tool for AirPods 1 and 2. New phone holder with AirPod attachments pointing AirPods at phones mic. No more guessing if it's a gunked up disgusting AirPod or customers bad hearing. Works similar to existing iPhone Audio test in principle pic.twitter.com/AKiSILH9AK
— Fudge (@choco_bit) October 22, 2020

To the base of the tray is a section positioned near where the microphone of the iPhone is located, designed to seat the AirPods in a specific way, pointing the speakers at the microphone. A test sound is played through the AirPods and is picked up by the nearby iPhone microphone, which can then determine the likely cause of sound problems.

The Twitter post claims the tray works similar to the "existing iPhone Audio test in principle," and can be used with both AirPods and AirPods Pro.

While the tool seems simply constructed with a possibly 3D-printed AirPods holder, it seems quite plausible for it to be genuinely used to detect faults. As a non-consumer diagnostic tool, it doesn't matter how it appears or is constructed, while the relatively low production number makes it a considerable candidate for making a repair tool using a 3D printer.

The Twitter account also has a good track record with regards to Apple rumors and leaks, further suggesting the tool is real.

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8 Comments

mike1 3432 comments · 10 Years

About 4 years ago

That's actually pretty cool.

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

mike1 said:

That's actually pretty cool.

I agree: That IS pretty cool.

But, on the other hand, what good is it if you can't get into a store to have them checked?
About 2 months ago my AirPod pros began to behave erractically -- sometimes only one or neither would connect -- other times they worked. When I went to my Apple Store I was told I couldn't see a technician and had to make an appointment for over a week later. They suggested i call online support or take them to BestBuy. I called online support who, without any diagnostics other than my description, started guessing and ended up sending me a new right Airpod. Unfortunately that did nothing so I called them again. And again, they guessed and sent me a new case. That solved the problem. But the trial and error approach was frustrating for both myself and Apple -- and expensive for Apple.

hammeroftruth 1354 comments · 16 Years

GeorgeBMac said:

mike1 said:

That's actually pretty cool.

I agree: That IS pretty cool.

But, on the other hand, what good is it if you can't get into a store to have them checked?
About 2 months ago my AirPod pros began to behave erractically -- sometimes only one or neither would connect -- other times they worked. When I went to my Apple Store I was told I couldn't see a technician and had to make an appointment for over a week later. They suggested i call online support or take them to BestBuy. I called online support who, without any diagnostics other than my description, started guessing and ended up sending me a new right Airpod. Unfortunately that did nothing so I called them again. And again, they guessed and sent me a new case. That solved the problem. But the trial and error approach was frustrating for both myself and Apple -- and expensive for Apple.

It is a pain, but this is going to be the norm until we get a better hold on covid. Apple would rather spend more money to make sure everyone is safe, than to risk you or their employees getting sick.

Plus if stores were working like they were pre covid, you would have had the same issue since they usually try to replace the AirPod first and then the case because during my appointment for AirPod issues, the technician said most of the time the replacement AirPod resolves the issue and rarely do they have to replace the case.

Appleish 715 comments · 8 Years

Under AppleCare, I've had my right AirPod Pro replaced twice, my left one once, and my case once.

The latest right one will not pass the fit test no matter which tip I use, so I'm guessing soon it will be three right replacements.

They work beautifully when they work.

hammeroftruth said:

GeorgeBMac said:

mike1 said:

That's actually pretty cool.

I agree:   That IS pretty cool.

But, on the other hand, what good is it if you can't get into a store to have them checked?
About 2 months ago my AirPod pros began to behave erractically -- sometimes only one or neither would connect -- other times they worked.   When I went to my Apple Store I was told I couldn't see a technician and had to make an appointment for over a week later.   They suggested i call online support or take them to BestBuy.   I called online support who, without any diagnostics other than my description, started guessing and ended up sending me a new right Airpod.   Unfortunately that did nothing so I called them again. And again, they guessed and sent me a new case.   That solved the problem.   But the trial and error approach was frustrating for both myself and Apple -- and expensive for Apple.

It is a pain, but this is going to be the norm until we get a better hold on covid. Apple would rather spend more money to make sure everyone is safe, than to risk you or their employees getting sick.
Plus if stores were working like they were pre covid, you would have had the same issue since they usually try to replace the AirPod first and then the case because during my appointment for AirPod issues, the technician said most of the time the replacement AirPod resolves the issue and rarely do they have to replace the case.

It doesn't have to be all one way or all the other way.
In this case its perplexing why, with the onset of the virus, the technicians disappeared. It had always been possible to get an appointment with one within 24 hours (and usually much less) and it was also possible to simply walk in and see one within a half hour.   Now, appointments to see one are pushed out over a week.   Where did they go? You can't blame that one on the virus.

And, over the phone, I never actually felt that the technician really understood the problem -- just that there was a problem so therefor she blindly instituted standard procedure which cost Apple money and weeks of messing around. But, to Apple's credit, the DID resolve the problem!