For as wonderful as the world of Apple products can be, the truth is that there’s still a chance for the technology to “fail” you from time to time. We’ve seen it multiple times over the years, with the iPhone 4 “you’re holding it wrong” debacle, along with Apple’s horrible and over-extended butterfly keyboard saga. And while there haven’t been too many other recent recalls or major issues, it seems that different problems keep cropping up for the AirPods Pro.
The most recent issue has resulted in the creation of an official AirPods Pro recall program. This isn’t the first of its kind, specifically for the AirPods Pro, as users have experienced different issues which largely result in just being able to get them replaced.
This time around, Apple’s recall landing page suggests that you might be eligible if your AirPods Pro is experiencing any of the following issues:
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 also confirms that these issues should not affect other AirPods models, as such “no other AirPods models are part of this program.” Additionally, in order to be eligible, your AirPods Pro must have a manufacturing date before October 2020. And even then, there’s a chance that your specific set of AirPods Pro will be included in the recall.
Thankfully, Apple has recognized that there is a problem, and states that the problem only affects a “very small percentage”. But the problem is that with the sheer number of AirPods Pro units that have been sold, a “small percentage” can turn into a pretty big problem. In the event that you are having these problems and want to have them remedied, these are the options at your disposal:
Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
Make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store.
Contact Apple Support to arrange mail-in service via the Apple Repair Center.
Apple also notes that despite the fact that this is a worldwide program, the company will not be extending the “standard warranty coverage of the AirPods Pro.” Additionally, the recall program only covers the affected AirPods Pro model for “3 years after the first retail sale of the unit”. Essentially, you have until October of 2023 to have your AirPods Pro repaired under this recall program if they are affected.
Because of the fact that there is no tool to check the serial number of your AirPods Pro, trying to determine whether they fall under the umbrella of the recall can be a hit or miss proposition. Your best bet is to try and see if you can fix them yourself, and then reach out to Apple Support for further guidance on the next steps to take.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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