Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit over alleged audio defects in its 1st-generation AirPods Pro. The lawsuit, filed this month through ClassAction.org, accuses the tech giant of misleading customers about issues with unwanted crackling sounds and faulty Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that emerged shortly after the product’s launch in 2019. Although Apple attempted to address these issues, plaintiffs argue that the company’s response was insufficient.
Widespread issues with 1st-Gen AirPods Pro
Shortly after the 1st-gen AirPods Pro launch, customers reported crackling or static noises that worsened in loud environments, during exercise, or while on calls. Users also experienced failures in Active Noise Cancellation, which resulted in a loss of bass sound and increased background noise. In response, Apple acknowledged these issues in a support document and, nearly a year after launch, introduced a service program offering to replace affected units manufactured before October 2020. However, this program covered only early production units, leaving many customers without a viable solution.
Lawsuit claims Apple’s replacement program was insufficient
The lawsuit argues that Apple’s replacement program fell short of addressing the problem. According to Apple, only units produced before October 2020 were eligible for replacement, as the company believed it had resolved the issue in later models. However, the plaintiffs allege that replacements continued to suffer from the same defects, and microscopic examinations cited in the lawsuit reportedly found no meaningful differences between pre- and post-October 2020 AirPods Pro units. This finding suggests Apple’s design changes did not fully fix the problem.
Apple allegedly continued selling faulty devices
The lawsuit also claims that Apple knowingly continued selling defective AirPods Pro units. Although Apple extended its replacement program by an additional year, it limited eligibility to pre-October 2020 units and did not cover newer models. The plaintiffs argue that this extension was a tacit acknowledgment that the defect persisted. Furthermore, Apple’s release of the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro in 2022—with an improved digital signal processor and redesigned speakers—was interpreted by the plaintiffs as an attempt to address issues in the original model. The plaintiffs believe these design changes, which aim to improve noise cancellation and bass response, were made to correct flaws in the first-generation model.
Key allegations against Apple
The lawsuit claims that Apple knew of the design flaws in the original AirPods Pro, yet could not fully resolve them without a complete redesign. Plaintiffs argue that Apple’s replacement program was insufficient because it excluded later units affected by the same defects. The lawsuit further alleges that Apple failed to notify affected customers of their eligibility for replacement and continued to sell defective AirPods Pro at a premium price while making misleading claims about the product’s audio capabilities.
Potential compensation for US AirPods Pro owners
Although the lawsuit is still in its early stages, it could have significant consequences for Apple if successful. Owners of defective 1st-gen AirPods Pro may eventually be eligible for compensation, and the case could set an important precedent for consumer rights in the tech industry.
Via: MacWorld
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