Technology
Apple can replace AirPods Pro with defective, static or cracking noise cancellation free of charge.
Today, precisely one year after Apple first launched AirPods Pro — and therefore the very first AirPods Pro owners will see their one-year warranties expire on the same day — Apple has launched a warranty service that promises free fixes or replacements for another year if the AirPods Pro have problems with noise or static cancellation.
Specifically, Apple is going to fix:
- 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
Apple claims that only a "small percentage of AirPods Pro" were impacted by the problems, but obviously it wasn't only an early batch — Apple says the affected devices were produced "before October 2020," implying that any AirPods Pro ever made could be eligible. Well, that's quite a reminder, if so. Apple claims it's going to patch the defective AirPods Pro for two years after you first ordered it.
We've heard concerns of degraded noise cancelation before, and at least one Verge editor has replaced their AirPods Pro under warranty. It's good to hear that Apple doesn't simply cut off customers as soon as the warranty expires.
