My AirPods Pro (1st generation) make crackling, buzzing or static sounds

Yep, exact same thing happened to me! Brought them in and was told verbatim what they've told everyone else on this thread. At least the genius bar tech absolutely agreed that it was complete BS and advised me to buy a diff pair of earbuds from a competitor or if I wanted to stay with the AirPods pros go to Best Buy because they're on sale for $189. Apple makes billions and they just F us customers over. The fact that we can't even trade in the defected AirPods to use towards a new pair makes it even worse! Shady.

I’ve had almost exactly the same problem as GreggMig. Right pod of my airpodpro 1st generation A2084 crackles under all conditions. Did an exhaustive chat to check all issues and was told that they were manufactured October of 2020 and I could fix them on my own. Not covered under warranty or recall. I see at least 33 other people on this thread with the same issue crackling in right pod. If anyone knows of a class action suit or wishes to start one, please respond to me on this thread so I can read it. I plan to contact someone about this Apple just put me in a dumpster with no recourse to contact tech, manufacturing, or any other department to see if Apple has been told about this issue after September 2020.

Well, don't feel too bad. Mine were covered and they gave me some refurbished airpods. Within the month both of the replacements were popping and squealing. This made them useless again. I won't buy another pair of airpods no matter what the generation is...

Your story is basically identical to mine…obviously, they have a set "script" because, as mentioned, they had an identical response to me at the service in-store.

I have had the same exact experience. Apple as we use to know it, is over. They no longer do the right thing. I am slowly transitioning away from Apple starting today. What a dumb decision on Apple’s part, make a defective product, acknowledge that they have done so, create a program to fix it and make it right, only to turn around and not accept responsibility. All that I can say is, wow! This is how you lose lifelong customers, and people that promote your brand to so many others. All over $250, that in your corporate greed, you want people to send to you every six months, when you send a software update that renders their device unusable. Wow! Cannot believe it would come to this.

The same issue is happening with AirPods after October 2020 but Apple refuses to address the issue.

Same story here. Crackle noises, Apple Store confirmed both buds are failing, but manufactured in Oct 2020 so they told me the best solution is to spend another $200 on the gen 2s. I'm fully on board with a class action.

Hello Everyone,

It's incredible how many people have the same problem and Apple is giving the same answer to everyone. In my case it was exactly the same. The problem is only in the right earphone and the company is not responsible. They tell me that it is out of the warranty period. On top of that, when I sent it to the technical service, they are forcing me to change both earphones because according to their review, "Both" have problems, but only the right one fails. Now, to change both, I practically have to buy new ones. There are many of us who were Apple fans, but this type of situation makes it impossible to continue with that loyalty. We have to see how the company takes responsibility. It is unacceptable that such an expensive product does not give you the guarantees. It is a terrible way to force consumers to change the product. We MUST take action on the matter. We cannot accept this answer.

CV

obviously, they underestimate how destructive this policy is. Yes, I used my AirPods Pro for more than a year after the issue occurred. I had so effectively learned that Apple stuff is so bombproof that I thought the problem was me. My job is too dusty, or my ears are too dirty. Breaking that perception of durable long-lasting products with reliable warranties; is like the first time your old reliable car has a check engine light. Every brand has a lifecycle, and I hope this isn’t the beginning of the end for this brand. It’s for sure a misstep.

This is exactly what happened to me. Found the article, made the appointment using the link in the article. I go and am told yes the left one is broken, the right one also failed. My serial number IS in the recall, but it was passed the 3 years. It has been broken for more than a year, but I just put them away because I had no idea about the recall. You want to tell me apple doesn't know how to send out a message to let us know??? The Apple Store employee told me they also think it's not fair and told me of some better options than the apple brand. Clearly they know something and want to steer us away from them doing this to us again. Such a rip-off. I hardly use AirPods unless I'm on a trip with friends. A rare event! The left ear, the minute you put it in sounds like an AM radio. Static only. Even when nothing is playing.

Same issue. I’m in Asia.

how do we start the class action suit?

ove taken perfect care of mind.

Yes. A thousand times yes. Or more realistically four times yes.

I had my right Airpod, and one time even the case, replaced FOUR times under warranty. The last time they actually held up the longest (just outside of warranty), but then started crackling again. Went to the Apple Store and they just tried to sell me new ones.

The first time I went, the guy literally said "lemme guess, 1st gen?".

Honestly the correct move for Apple would just be to upgrade 1st gen owners to 2nd gen but instead we're being told too bad.

It's always the right bud which is the one I fall asleep with the most. But one of the times I visited they confirmed both had the issue and I rarely even use the left one.

I've been left with a really sour taste over this and there's no way I'd take a chance on the 2nd gens.