Apple silently extends AirPods Pro crackly audio repair program

Without fanfare, Apple has extended the repair program that addresses known AirPods Pro issues involving crackling, static, or problems with Active Noise Cancellation an additional year.

AirPods Pro owners will be eligible to replace defective units affected by known audio issues for up to three years as Apple silently extends its service program for Apple AirPods Pro produced before October 2020.

Reddit user matejamm1 first spotted the alterations to the program in a post on Reddit's r/AirPods subreddit, noting that the change comes into effect just as the first AirPods Pro sold in October 2019 start to turn two years old.

At the bottom of Apple's AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues page, it states that the program "covers affected AirPods Pro for 3 years after the first retail sale of the unit."

The program first went live in October 2020 and covered affected units for two years after the first retail sale.

Apple's AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues page notes that the problem affects units manufactured before October 2020. Issues may include crackling and static sounds in loud environments, while exercising, or talking on the phone. Issues with Active Noise Cancellation are also covered.

Subsequent releases of AirPods Pro are not known to exhibit the same problems as those manufactured before October 2020.

Those impacted can take their AirPods Pro unit to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for free service. Coverage includes the replacement of individual earbuds or a complete set, depending on the results of an authorized examination.

The company notes the repair initiative covers no other AirPods models.

12 Comments

cgWerks 8 Years · 2947 comments

About 3 years ago

OK, it would be kind of helpful if they had some kind of way to tell what year your AirPods Pro were made (by entering serial number, or model number, etc.). I haven't noticed that problem, but I also use ANC just a few percent of the time (I'd use it more if I traveled, though, so would want it to work properly). I guess I'll have to force myself to use it some and try to figure it out before the time is up. (I don't like ANC or 'off' because of the pressure feeling, so run them in Transparency mostly.)

AppleZulu 8 Years · 2205 comments

cgWerks said:

OK, it would be kind of helpful if they had some kind of way to tell what year your AirPods Pro were made (by entering serial number, or model number, etc.). I haven't noticed that problem, but I also use ANC just a few percent of the time (I'd use it more if I traveled, though, so would want it to work properly). I guess I'll have to force myself to use it some and try to figure it out before the time is up. (I don't like ANC or 'off' because of the pressure feeling, so run them in Transparency mostly.)

Transparency and ANC are where you’d notice the problem. They’re essentially the same function, but with the phase reversed. I had the crackling trouble last year and replaced one and then the other a month later, and then the other one again soon after. No problems since then.

AppleZulu said:
Transparency and ANC are where you’d notice the problem. They’re essentially the same function, but with the phase reversed. I had the crackling trouble last year and replaced one and then the other a month later, and then the other one again soon after. No problems since then.

Oh, cool. Well, I use Transparency like 95+ percent of the time, so then I'd have noticed it by now. Thanks. Mine were purchased a bit before Christmas last year, so hard to know if they were manufactured before Oct or not. It would be close, I'd guess.

FrankS 5 Years · 7 comments

Is it also for the EU? (The The Netherlands)

Can’t seems to find it on the website

tpurdy 15 Years · 40 comments

I had one earbud replaced for this issue 6 or 7 months ago. I can tell the other one needs it now… I guess now is the time! Too bad that it happens but at least they’re taking care of it! Thanks Apple!