AirPods Pro, some s noticed that one or both earbuds would start making a crackling or rattling noise. According to s, these noises would sometimes develop after months of use, and would also sometimes get worse when jogging, nodding the head, or otherwise moving around while wearing the earbuds.
Initially, Apple would replace faulty earbuds if s reported them to Apple . They also issued troubleshooting advice and a few articles outlining troubleshooting steps to try but it has since decided to just replace the affected earbuds for free as the issue has become widespread. Affected AirPods Pro will exhibit static or crackling sounds that increase in loud volumes, with exercise, or when talking on the phone. Additionally, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) might be affected, causing the to experience increased background noise. Though the crackling and ANC problems have been reported by s starting several months ago, Apple has only now launched a service program for the AirPods Pro manufactured prior to October of 2020.
On Friday, Apple launched a repair program for the affected AirPods Pro to fix the issues that cause some earbuds to crackle or to exhibit faulty ANC. There are several options to have faulty AirPods Pro serviced directly through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider free of charge. The service options for affected AirPods Pro include finding and utilizing an Apple Authorized Service Provider, which can be found by g into your Apple , setting an appointment with an Apple Retail Store, or directly ing Apple .
Only Affected AirPod Pro Earbuds Will Be Replaced
Whichever service is chosen, the AirPods Pro will be examined to ensure eligibility and only the affected earbuds will be replaced for free. If only the right earbud or left earbud is affected and confirmed, that is the one that will be replaced, not both. If both earbuds are affected, then Apple will replace both. Under no circumstance will the AirPods Pro charging case be replaced as it is not affected by any issues and nor is Apple offering a similar service for other AirPods models.
Utilizing this Apple service will not extend the standard warranty on the AirPods Pro, and this Apple replacement service will cover the earbuds two years after the initial retail sale. The AirPods Pro service program is available worldwide. Apple will cover all affected units even if the warranty has expired. At this time, the service program will be available for the foreseeable future.
Source: Apple