Apple quietly extends AirPods Pro repair program for crackling sounds

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AirPods-Pro-crackle-GIF
You're now covered for up to three years.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple’s repair program for AirPods Pro, which addresses hardware issues that can cause crackling and static sounds, has been quietly extended.

The program originally covered faulty buds for two years after their initial purchase. It has now been extended to three years, with affected customers getting free replacements if they pass an Apple inspection.

AirPods Pro repair program extended to three years

Apple says the issue affects only a small number of AirPods Pro units that were manufactured before October 2020. If one of your buds is faulty, you may notice 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

Affected AirPods Pro can be returned to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. It they pass an examination to determine they are eligible for the repair program, the faulty buds will be replaced free of charge.

The program originally covered AirPods Pro for two years after their initial purchase. It has now been extended to three years, but it doesn’t extend the standard warranty coverage of the headphones.

Only for AirPods Pro

Apple will only replace the problematic bud (left or right, or both if necessary); it won’t give you a brand-new pair of AirPods if only one is exhibiting the fault. This program applies only to AirPods Pro — not AirPods or AirPods Max.

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