Apple Quietly Extends AirPods Pro Repair Program To Fix Crackling Issues And Broken ANC
Earbuds and headphones have become essential over the last few years, especially for those who have been working from home. Products like Apple’s AirPods Pro are particularly desirable for their features like active noise cancellation. Unfortunately, these kinds of features do not always work. Apple began offering a service program last year for AirPods Pro that would cover them for two years after first sale to address issues with sound. However, they seemed to have determined that two years is simply not long enough. Now Apple has quietly extended its service program for the AirPods Pro to three years.
The program was meant to address certain issues that AirPods Pro owners were experiencing with the product. Some noted that there were crackling or static sounds while exercising, speaking on the phone, or in particularly loud environments. Others stated that ANC was not working-- they would experience a loss of bass and an increase in background noises.
This program will now last three years instead of two. AirPods Pro that were first purchased in 2019 will be covered until 2022, while units purchased last year will be covered until 2023. Apple did not announce this change but merely altered the information on its website this past month.
Affected units were manufactured before October 2020. Owners will need to find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store, or contact Apple Support.
The program was meant to address certain issues that AirPods Pro owners were experiencing with the product. Some noted that there were crackling or static sounds while exercising, speaking on the phone, or in particularly loud environments. Others stated that ANC was not working-- they would experience a loss of bass and an increase in background noises.
This program will now last three years instead of two. AirPods Pro that were first purchased in 2019 will be covered until 2022, while units purchased last year will be covered until 2023. Apple did not announce this change but merely altered the information on its website this past month.
Affected units were manufactured before October 2020. Owners will need to find an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store, or contact Apple Support.
This program does not extend the standard warranty of the product but is simply intended to address the annoying issues noted above. The AirPods Pro will be examined prior to service to confirm that they do indeed qualify for the program. They will then be replaced instead of fixed. Note that the case is not impacted by these problems and therefore will not be replaced.
Many owners are pleased with this change as flawed units are still widely available on the market. Others are quite annoyed as they have needed to replace their units multiple times. They argue that the product should have never been on the market in the first place.
Many owners are pleased with this change as flawed units are still widely available on the market. Others are quite annoyed as they have needed to replace their units multiple times. They argue that the product should have never been on the market in the first place.
The AirPods Pro are frequently on sale, but the initial price of the product was $249 USD. This higher price tag has only compounded frustration with the product’s myriad of issues. The extended warranty should hopefully smooth over some of the irritation.
