Apple has promised to repair AirPods Pro headphones suffering from defective noise cancellation completely free of charge.
The company has issued a sweeping new AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues, acknowledging at the outset that “a small percentage of AirPods Pro may experience sound issues.” Some users had reported strange sounds when moving, exercising, or talking on the phone using their AirPods Pro.
If your AirPods Pro was manufactured before October 2020 and you’ve noticed unusual crackling or static sounds, or any other issues with the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature, then Apple will now service it free of charge.
Apple’s offer applies regardless of which AirPods Pro earpiece is affected, and even if it’s a problem with both. And when the company says ‘service’, it effectively means ‘replace’, as this is how the company tends to deal with any issues with its tightly sealed in-ear headphones.
Apple notes that “No other AirPods models are part of this program”. Which makes a lot of sense when you consider that only the AirPods Pro comes with ANC.
The AirPods range has proven immensely popular since it launched in December 2016, providing a truly wireless and seamless personal audio experience. Apple launched the AirPods Pro in October 2019, which added noise cancellation, IPX4 water resistance, a charging case with wireless charging, and interchangeable silicone tips to the package.
Back in September, Apple improved its current wireless headphones lineup via a firmware update, which brought automatic device switching to the AirPods Pro and second-generation AirPods, and added Spatial Audio to the AirPods Pro.