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So Apple keeps replacing faulty units with units that have the same defect/weakness that will lead to another replacement or two or three. So it’s probably best to wait for Gen 2 and hope they got it right this time. Some other companies would’ve recalled a product like that by now, but I guess Apple is really scared at the negative PR and stock impact a move like that would generate.
Apple's communication policy concerning defects has always been silence, don't acknowledge anything, it's very frustrating as a consumer.
 
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I literally tried to have mine replaced two weeks ago, even though all coverage has expired, and they tried to charge me.
 
I already got mines replaced before the deadline extension and they are acting up again. Can I get them replaced again?
Yes I’ve had mine replaced 3 times and they are already having the issue again. No limit to how many you can get.
 
I am so thankful they extended this. Was worried my time was running out and I would be forced to buy a new set.
 
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.
They pair them to a blank iPhone and put it in a closed testing box. It uses the iPhones microphones to test the audio output of the AirPods in an isolated environment.
 
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 pair them to a blank iPhone and put it in a closed testing box. It uses the iPhones microphones to test the audio output of the AirPods in an isolated environment.
 
How can I determine the manufacture date, or if they were manufactured after October 2020?
I have searched, but can't seem to find a reliable method. I'm also wondering if the serial number or the box can be used to determine manufacture date.

Thanks!
 
I got my first pair of replacements back in June, which was one month past my 1 year of owning the APP’s. And the replacements are starting to have the same electronic buzz when I’m putting them in my ears. As much as Apple said it was related to a manufacturing run up to a certain point, it seems clear that it’s a more common issue effecting more that what they’re admitting.
 
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I work around atomized metal (powder) so when I encountered ANC issues before the repair program I attributed it to the vents getting full of dust. I had them replaced once and have been perfect since thankfully.
 
I just had this done to mine over the weekend after they got really bad. They run 2 sets of diagnostics. One right in front of you on an MacBook with 2 dongles in a dongle. (lol…) They told me upfront there would be two different tests and if it fails the 2nd they will replace. First one (whatever it was) came up green check marks. Then they do one in the back, whatever happens there for 15 minutes is unknown - I felt like it was made up and she was just back there drinking coffee - but she came out and said they failed the second test and they were swapped out and I left.
 
s
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.
stop lying. this is embarrassing. so other companies don't offer replacement for faulty devices? recently got my echo dot replaced for same cracking noise 🤦🏿‍♂️
 
I took mine in because the right one was acting up, but after the test, they determined they were both messed up. Yay for new airpods
 
s
stop lying. this is embarrassing. so other companies don't offer replacement for faulty devices? recently got my echo dot replaced for same cracking noise 🤦🏿‍♂️

I said wider repair programs for manufacturing defects. On an individual basis, sure you may be able to get your product fixed or replaced if you're lucky, or within a warranty period.

I always enjoy people arguing against a point I didn't make.
 
Gotta love those first generation production problems... I wonder what exciting faults on the new MacBook Pros they're revealing on Monday we'll be talking about in a few month's time?
At least with the MBPs, they’ve been building similar products for years and have a good idea of the issues that can arise. AirPods are such a new type of product with their own issues, especially related to the miniaturization, that there is a lot to learn there.
 


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 wish Apple would admit the problem with the battery cells on new Macbooks on M1
Batteries lost 15-20% within less than one year plus unprecedentedly high batteries drain on M1 Airs
 
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Shame on Apple, like a year ago I got this issue on one of my airpods and it was replaced, but at the end of December 2020 I started having the same issue on the other one. I contacted Apple before the warranty expire in January 15 2021, but they told me their system shows the warranty was expired in January 5~6 (I bought it from Amazon), even after sending the Amazon receipt, they said it could not be covered because their system showed my warranty expired so I was out of luck, now I can see this problem has been covered since October 2020.
 
I know a lot of people don’t believe in Apple Care for their devices but I swear by it. I just got off the phone with Apple Care support. It was about a 15 minute call. I told them I was having the crackling sound in my right Air Pod Pro and sometimes in the left. After a few minutes of obligatory troubleshooting (Don’t get mad at the service people on the phone. They have a checklist of what they have to do before they can move forward to a solution for your issue), They said they would set up a repair time. He then checked again and saw I had Apple Care so he set up an Express Replacement. I’m getting new AIr Pod Pros and case and will send my old ones back once I receive the new ones. It will take a few days to get. Maybe more with all the stupid shipping delays going on right now. Very simple process. Well worth the cost of Apple Care for me. Also note these are the second replacement Air Pods and first replacement of the case. Prior issue was charging not working. I never had a single issue getting service. All taken care of with Apple Care. I’m not criticizing people who don’t like Apple Care just letting people know the success I’ve had with it. New Air Pods on the way.😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺
 
I know a lot of people don’t believe in Apple Care for their devices but I swear by it. I just got off the phone with Apple Care support. It was about a 15 minute call. I told them I was having the crackling sound in my right Air Pod Pro and sometimes in the left. After a few minutes of obligatory troubleshooting (Don’t get mad at the service people on the phone. They have a checklist of what they have to do before they can move forward to a solution for your issue), They said they would set up a repair time. He then checked again and saw I had Apple Care so he set up an Express Replacement. I’m getting new AIr Pod Pros and case and will send my old ones back once I receive the new ones. It will take a few days to get. Maybe more with all the stupid shipping delays going on right now. Very simple process. Well worth the cost of Apple Care for me. Also note these are the second replacement Air Pods and first replacement of the case. Prior issue was charging not working. I never had a single issue getting service. All taken care of with Apple Care. I’m not criticizing people who don’t like Apple Care just letting people know the success I’ve had with it. New Air Pods on the way.😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺😺
Yup applecare will be express replacement, this one might fall on your applecare benefits instead on the service program, means for example a 2x accidental damage for a year will now becomes 1x. Had my APP replaced within the first year due to hardware issue, it was express replacement including the case. Then second time was the crackling noise, this time not including the case. Both replacement apple required to hold an amount on my CC in case i failed to send the faulty device.
for APP, i think Applecare have less benefit due to this service program. Imagine majority of the customer can have their APP replaced even out of warranty or now almost 2 years old.
 
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And this whole time I thought it was all in my head. I purchased mine in July of 2020, had one replaced, but they both crackle after using them for about 30-45minutes

Update: Chatted with support and they are shipping me a mail in box to have them serviced for repair LOL. I had no idea these air pod pros could even be serviced.
 
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