Apple says some AirPods Pro have sound problems, will replace for free

KEY POINTS

• Apple said on Friday that it will replace AirPods Pro headphones that have sound issues.
• These issues include a static or crackling sound that increases in loud environments as well as issues with active noise cancellation.
• Apple said that AirPods Pro made after October 2020 don't have the issue.

A man shows AirPods Pro at an Apple store on East Nanjing Road on October 30, 2019 in Shanghai, China. Apple's new AirPods Pro with active noise cancellation are on sale on October 30 in China.

Wang Gang | VCG | Getty Images

Apple said on Friday that it's replacing AirPods Pro headphones that have sound problems.

These problems include a static or crackling sound that increases in loud environments and issues with active noise cancellation.

Apple said AirPods Pro made after October 2020 don't have the problems.

Owners who experience problems can contact Apple online or make an appointment at an Apple store to get their AirPods Pro replaced for free. Only devices that are confirmed to have the issue will be replaced.

The replacement applies only to the buds, not the charging case. Apple's not offering a similar program for other AirPod models.

Crackling problems with AirPods Pro were reported by users earlier this year. In May, Apple issued support documents on its website with troubleshooting advice for the issue. It was replacing those units under warranty.

Apple's AirPods are a popular line of wireless headphones. Apple doesn't break out revenue from AirPods, but it reported $7.8 billion in "other products" revenue in the quarter ending in September, which includes AirPods along with other headphones and the Apple Watch.