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Back in October of 2020, Apple introduced a service program to address AirPods Pro issues that could cause them to experience static, crackling sounds, or problems with Active Noise Cancellation. At the time, Apple said the program would cover the AirPods Pro for two years after the retail sale of the unit.

AirPods-PRo-isolated.png

Apple has now extended the program, quietly updating the accompanying support document back at the beginning of October. As noted on Reddit, the "Additional Information" section of the page now notes that the program will cover affected AirPods Pro for three years after the first retail sale of the unit, up from the initial two years.

Customers who purchased AirPods at launch in 2019 will now be covered until October 2022 should this issue pop up, and those who bought in 2020 before the repaired version in October 2020 came out can get repairs until 2023.

Faulty AirPods Pro that are in need of repair exhibit the following problems:
  • 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 Pro experiencing issues can bring 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 the AirPods or the AirPods Max.

Article Link: Apple Quietly Extends AirPods Pro Repair Program That Addresses Crackling/Static
 
I just had both of my AirPods Pro replaced after failing Apple's audio tests. At first, I thought I was crazy and it was just the noises the AirPods make going in and out of my ears, but soon realized the noise occurred by just moving my head around.
 
I recently had my launch-week pair replaced because of this, but mine would only start exhibiting the symptoms after about 45 minutes of (usually during exercise) music use, and thus passed the retail stores' diagnostics tests twice. Both times, the staff told me to contact phone support instead, because the mail-in exchange process uses a different test; when I finally heeded their advice, I got the replacement pair within a few days. So if your AirPod Pros only start crackling after some minutes, skip the in-person appointment and just call in!
 
I already got mines replaced before the deadline extension and they are acting up again. Can I get them replaced again?
Why not? Go for it. There’s no express limitation on switching for a defect. Apple is tacitly acknowledging that these feature a design defect. I guess a long-term replacement program is fair. A permanent production fix would be preferable, but like most products with a battery, these have a finite shelf life.
 
Mine have recently been exhibiting this behaviour and it's quite irritating. I find it most annoying when I am on a call and every time I speak, it sounds like I have a blue bottle in my ear. Completely turning of transparency or noise cancellation rectifies the issue as a workaround but will be looking to get mine fixed under this repair program.
 
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This is wonderful news, I had noticed my right AirPods Pro would constantly making sounds at very low volume. it was so annoying had to exclusively use left AirPod.
 
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I wish all companies were as good as Apple when it comes to admitting problems with products, and instituting repair programs. The fact no other company can do this is why I always choose Apple for every kind of purchase I can.
 
My launch week Pros developed after a year an annoying click noise every time I took a step while walking. I called Apple and it was like pulling teeth trying to get them replaced. But they did once I found the tech bulletin and shared it with them…
 
Can someone please explain the in store diagnostic test? Is there a piece of test equipment involved or does an employee attempt to hear themselves? I have a very faint crackling noise in one bud that is present when running. Thanks!
 
My left one will sometimes crackle if I lightly touch it or adjust the fit by pushing into my ear. It goes away once I stop touching it. Also just noticed the pressure button just mutes the audio doesn't give the hold-press option for noise cancellation and amplification. I should probably get them looked at before it gets worse.
 
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I can confirm mine were replaced no questions asked by Apple after they developed the crackling sound about 18 months after purchase.
 
My left one will sometimes crackle if I lightly touch it or adjust the fit by pushing into my ear. It goes away once I stop touching it. Also just noticed the pressure button just mutes the audio doesn't give the second press option for noise cancellation and amplification. I should probably get them looked at before it gets worse.
That's exactly what mine started doing. Apple replaced mine 18 months after purchase.
 
Mine were crackling for a while, then the left one completely blew and made screeching noises with anything played. Did the online Apple help and they sent me a box for mail. One recommendation: when you send your AirPods back, DON’T FORGET TO REMOVE THE EAR TIPS! I forgot, and Apple kept them.
 
Nice. I’ll be making an appointment ASAP. I never knew there was an extension on this issue and just though I was out of luck. Mine developed with cracking/whistling issue a few weeks ago out of nowhere.
 
Thank you for this article, I have just been hearing static in my right airpod pro just in the past few days.
 
I am on my fifth pair. They all work fine until you’ve gone running with them for about 20-30 miles. After that, they start clicking and popping, eventually to the point of doing it just when you move your head or jaw.

this problem affect every AirPod pro ever made. I intentionally waited until months after October for a replacement, and it eventually failed the same as the rest.
 
Can someone please explain the in store diagnostic test? Is there a piece of test equipment involved or does an employee attempt to hear themselves? I have a very faint crackling noise in one bud that is present when running. Thanks!
They take your earbuds and disappear into the back room. They come out 15 min later and say they're going to replace them. I have no idea what they did, but that's how it went for me. This is the 2nd time mine have been replaced for this.
 
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