Late in 2020, Apple announced a service program that addressed sound issues that AirPods Pro owners were experiencing with their earbuds. Users were reporting static or crackling sounds, as well as issues with Active Noise Cancellation. At the time, it was said that the program would cover the AirPods Pro for two years after the retail sale of the unit.
Apple has now quietly extended the repair program, updating the accompanying support document back at the beginning of October. As noted on Reddit, the “Additional Information” section of the support document now notes that the program will cover affected AirPods Pro for three years after the first retail sale of the unit, an increase from the initial two years coverage.
Customers who purchased AirPods at launch in 2019 will now be covered until October 2022 should the need arise, and those who bought in 2020 before the repaired version in October 2020 came out can get repairs until 2023.
An affected AirPods Pro may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
- Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise, or while talking on the phone
- Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service the affected AirPods Pro (left, right, or both), free of charge.
If you have AirPods Pro manufactured ahead of October 2020, and are experiencing the above issues with the earbuds, you can take them to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to have them serviced, free of charge. The AirPods Pro will be examined ahead of any servicing to verify that they are eligible for the program. AirPods Pro demonstrating the issue will be replaced.
The program applies only to the AirPods Pro but no other AirPods models.
