Apple Launches AirPods Pro Service Program for Crackling/Static Problems and ANC Issues

Apple today announced the launch of a new service program for AirPods Pro sound issues, which is designed to address ‌AirPods Pro‌ units experiencing static or crackling sounds or problems with Active Noise Cancellation.

AirPods PRo isolated
Faulty AirPods exhibit the following problems, according to Apple:

  • 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

Affected AirPods were manufactured before October 2020, and those who have AirPods experiencing issues can take them to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for service free of charge. Apple says that the ‌AirPods Pro‌ will be examined prior to service to verify that they're eligible for the program. ‌AirPods Pro‌ earbuds demonstrating the issue (left, right, or both) will be replaced.

The program applies only to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ and not other AirPods models. It covers ‌AirPods Pro‌ for two years after the first retail sale of the unit.

‌AirPods Pro‌ users have been complaining about issues with crackling/popping sounds during movement and problems with Active Noise Cancellation for months now. Affected users see the crackling or popping sound appear over time, and it appears to occur when something causes the earbud to move or vibrate.

Related Roundup: AirPods Pro
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Pro (Caution)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Bustermd Avatar
56 months ago
“Manufactured before October 2020”

So... all of them?
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gjdarbo Avatar
56 months ago
I literally just called Apple about an hour ago about this issue and they told me they couldn't find any related issues related to the crackling noise. Lol
Score: 57 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LeeW Avatar
56 months ago
It's not an Apple product if it doesn't have a repair program.
Score: 52 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bustermd Avatar
56 months ago

Before October 2020 does not include any manufactured after October 31, 2020. So no, not all of them.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions to which the answer should be obvious.
Seeing as today is October 30, 2020, my question is how could any be in existence that were manufactured after October 31, 2020? Or is it a reverse entropy situation like in that Tenet movie?

The point, which you missed obviously, is that Apple has essentially acknowledged that every one made up until very recently has been faulty. This is a big deal for headphones that cost as much as Air Pods Pro. Good for Apple for acknowledging the problem though. Better late than never. But seeing as I got mine replaced a couple months ago with zero argument I figure they knew it was an issue long ago.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brar.arsh Avatar
56 months ago

It's not an Apple product if it doesn't have a repair program.
Am not sure if that is a positive or negative comment.
According to me Apple does care for their customers more than 99% percent of the companies out there.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
canyonblue737 Avatar
56 months ago

Glad I just payed apple $90+ dollars to replace one of mine that had this exact issue smh
talk to them, in this situation they refund you.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)