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jbryant705

macrumors regular
Jan 18, 2011
113
88
Went to an Apple store to replace and the tech said they could give me news buds but the problem would be the same. Said he needed to replace the case and buds since im on the latest software 2C54. Said if he gave me just new buds they would update. He did say this is a known issue and Apple is workin on a fix but doesn't know when one is coming. I can't get my incase case off my APP (lol) so i said I'd wait a bit to see if a fix comes and if not he was noting the system for me to get a replacement later.

I did find it funny he had blue tak and alcohol wipes to use if needed but commented my APP were the cleanest he had seen and had no use for those products.
So weird that they told you that, because I was on the newer firmware and they just replaced the buds and not the case. I wish they would've replaced the case too, because mine got pretty messed up when one of my kids got superglue on the counter and somehow managed to sit my case right on it, getting superglue on the button LOL. I scraped it off with a razor blade and it works now, but it looks horrible.
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Also, I've had these new ones for several days and they're still on 2B588. I don't think that tech knew what they were talking about.
 

chepeloni

macrumors member
Jan 4, 2020
39
7
Also, I've had these new ones for several days and they're still on 2B588. I don't think that tech knew what they were talking about.

If I understand this correctly, firmware version 2Cxxx (can't remember the numbers now) has been pulled therefore it's not available anymore. Did Apple admit they ****ed up something in there with that f/w? too bad once upgraded there's no way to downgrade (typical apple) ... no way to disable automatic upgrades either .... conditions have to be met to initiate an automatic upgrade though ... ill be doing the opposite to that from now on
 

SinbadtheSailor

macrumors newbie
Jul 25, 2013
19
5
Throwing in with this. APPs passed fit test straight out the box on day one.

About two month old and I decided to run the test again, both ears failed.

Process I used:
1 - Large tips - fail
2 - Small tips - fail
3 - Clean with cotton bud and 99% isopropanol - fail
4 - clean with blu-tack - pass

Inside the tip is a small white mesh so the main mesh inside stays clean. It’s the big long mesh and the other on the bottom that sit against the outer ear that would seem to be the culprits.
 

vinegarshots

macrumors 6502a
Sep 24, 2018
982
1,349
Just a note that I forgot to mention: Dont use rubbing alcohol on the AirPods vents.

The AirPods are water resistant, but how do they keep water out if they have open-mesh vents? The answer is surface tension. The holes are so small in the vent mesh that it's difficult for water to pass through without a certain amount of pressure to push it through. However, the surface tension of rubbing alcohol is much lower than water, and it can pass through the vents and get inside the AirPods. If it manages to get on one of the mems microphones inside, it has the potential to cause failure.
 

dannyyankou

macrumors G5
Mar 2, 2012
13,840
29,844
Westchester, NY
I had the same issue, and I got my left one replaced by Apple for a separate popping static issue, and the fit test works now. It still doesn’t for the right one though.
 

chepeloni

macrumors member
Jan 4, 2020
39
7
right pod (from second pair) already failing ear tip test after ... what?? one week since I've got them? geez
 

Minarets

macrumors 6502a
Oct 28, 2011
857
367
Got my replacement pods today. Now on 2B588. Can't tell yet if it's better. Flying Monday and will check then.
 

chepeloni

macrumors member
Jan 4, 2020
39
7
can someone tell me if this the same as bostik's blu tak? looks like it is


I used it and after a few tries it seemed to help

is it safe to use it and then put the APP in our ears?
 

Minarets

macrumors 6502a
Oct 28, 2011
857
367
can someone tell me if this the same as bostik's blu tak? looks like it is


I used it and after a few tries it seemed to help

is it safe to use it and then put the APP in our ears?

That is what I use. The same thing as blue tak
 
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HobbesInVA

macrumors 6502
Aug 29, 2018
374
512
Chesapeake, VA
Both of my pods have been failing the ear tip test with all tips for months. I'm now having BT issues with the left pod. Took my APP to the Genius Bar today. They ordered new pods. It could be 6-8 weeks before I get them due to the Coronavirus. The Genius told me 40% of her daily trouble tickets are for AirPods and APP; she stated this is one of the worst products Apple has produced in terms of quality.

In the meantime I purchased Sony's WH100XM3. So much better than anything Apple is making in terms of headsets or earbuds.
 
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Bazooka-joe

macrumors 603
Mar 12, 2012
5,347
3,743
Swindon, England
After a month, my 7th pair of AirPods have developed the same old issues with noise cancelling. I had hoped that I had cracked it this time but ANC is trashed on the right AirPod and the ear tip app is failing. The left AirPod keeps whistling nd charging is intermittent. I have an appointment with a genius tomorrow. My local store have Pro’s in stock so although I am outside the two week window, I am hoping that they will exchange for new
 
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petterihiisila

macrumors 6502
Nov 7, 2010
404
304
Finland
Seven pairs seems like the record so far. I’m on my 3rd. The support asked me to wait for a new firmware before they send a 4th pair. UPS will earn so much more than Apple from my Airpods Pro experience, if they don’t sort it out.

They’ve got the cash to keep sending replacements though. It’s good if people make a scene out of it. Only with enough feedback the next year’s model will have meaningfully better mesh design and software.

It’s a pity APPs don’t keep working as intended. When new, they really are a good, competitive product. They just don’t work like new for very long.
 

HobbesInVA

macrumors 6502
Aug 29, 2018
374
512
Chesapeake, VA
After a month, my 7th pair of AirPods have developed the same old issues with noise cancelling. I had hoped that I had cracked it this time but ANC is trashed on the right AirPod and the ear tip app is failing. The left AirPod keeps whistling nd charging is intermittent. I have an appointment with a genius tomorrow. y local store have Pro’s in stock so although I am outside the two week window, I am hoping that they will exchange for new

I can only speak for the Virginia Beach location. They only had 1 left APP earbud in stock. They told me at least a month to get both earbuds in stock.
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Seven pairs seems like the record so far. I’m on my 3rd. The support asked me to wait for a new firmware before they send a 4th pair. UPS will earn so much more than Apple from my Airpods Pro experience, if they don’t sort it out.

They’ve got the cash to keep sending replacements though. It’s good if people make a scene out of it. Only with enough feedback the next year’s model will have meaningfully better mesh design and software.

It’s a pity APPs don’t keep working as intended. When new, they really are a good, competitive product. They just don’t work like new for very long.

I'm getting mine replaced but they will no longer be my daily driver. I've moved on to the Sony headphones with active noice cancellation. Bottomline, APP has a design flaw and that's worse than s/w or h/w issues.
 

vinegarshots

macrumors 6502a
Sep 24, 2018
982
1,349
After a month, my 7th pair of AirPods have developed the same old issues with noise cancelling. I had hoped that I had cracked it this time but ANC is trashed on the right AirPod and the ear tip app is failing. The left AirPod keeps whistling nd charging is intermittent. I have an appointment with a genius tomorrow. y local store have Pro’s in stock so although I am outside the two week window, I am hoping that they will exchange for new

Why in the world don’t you just give it up? You will never get a pair that keep working ?
 
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chepeloni

macrumors member
Jan 4, 2020
39
7
In the meantime I purchased Sony's WH100XM3. So much better than anything Apple is making in terms of headsets or earbuds.

I did the same thing. Great sound, but bulky, both, ear pieces and case, and they worked fine with my iPhone Xr, but very bad with my old iPod Touch 5Gen which is my dedicated "to-go" media player, returned them, got the APP again.
 

Rocko99991

macrumors 68000
Jul 25, 2017
1,574
2,193
After a month, my 7th pair of AirPods have developed the same old issues with noise cancelling. I had hoped that I had cracked it this time but ANC is trashed on the right AirPod and the ear tip app is failing. The left AirPod keeps whistling nd charging is intermittent. I have an appointment with a genius tomorrow. My local store have Pro’s in stock so although I am outside the two week window, I am hoping that they will exchange for new

Can you comment on the sound quality and ANC difference between the Sony and APP?
 

chepeloni

macrumors member
Jan 4, 2020
39
7
Can you comment on the sound quality and ANC difference between the Sony and APP?

I don't think it was Bazooka-joe..... but I got those for about a month after I returned my first pair of APP so I can give you my 2 cents (I'm not an expert just a regular user though) ... it is great, both ANC and sound quality, no doubts, I would have kept them if they weren't bulky in my ears and the case bulky as well. they pair without issues with latest iDevices at least, I was having big issues with my old iPod Touch (5 Gen).
 
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porkrind

macrumors regular
Jun 30, 2015
177
174
So after reading all the stories of people using the poster putty to clean up and restore the functionality of their APPs, I decided to buy a pair last week. I originally bought a pair the first day they came out, but after about a week the fit test the fit test started failing and the bass response disappeared. I think ANC got worse too, but I don't really remember. I returned those after testing some new tips in the Apple Store.

After a week of owning my new pair, the fit test is now failing and the bass response is gone. ANC seems reduced, but I'm in a quiet office so it's hard to specifically tell. The blu-tack trick isn't working for me. I really feel like at least part of my problem is that the ear tips have a certain stiffness to them that breaks down with use. They felt super secure in my ears on day 1, much less so on day 7. I'm returning this pair as well and have given up on this generation APP.

I'd be interested in trying again if Apple releases a v2 that acknowledges (even in a roundabout way) the issue, and/or if Comply or a company like that comes out with a really well regarded set of replacement tip. Super bummed as I love these when they work.
 
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bwinter88

macrumors regular
Jul 20, 2012
152
1,913
So after reading all the stories of people using the poster putty to clean up and restore the functionality of their APPs, I decided to buy a pair last week. I originally bought a pair the first day they came out, but after about a week the fit test the fit test started failing and the bass response disappeared. I think ANC got worse too, but I don't really remember. I returned those after testing some new tips in the Apple Store.

After a week of owning my new pair, the fit test is now failing and the bass response is gone. ANC seems reduced, but I'm in a quiet office so it's hard to specifically tell. The blu-tack trick isn't working for me. I really feel like at least part of my problem is that the ear tips have a certain stiffness to them that breaks down with use. They felt super secure in my ears on day 1, much less so on day 7. I'm returning this pair as well and have given up on this generation APP.

I'd be interested in trying again if Apple releases a v2 that acknowledges (even in a roundabout way) the issue, and/or if Comply or a company like that comes out with a really well regarded set of replacement tip. Super bummed as I love these when they work.
Just try different tips. Everyone's ears are different. The foam ones have a tighter fit and work better IMO.
 

Duncan68

macrumors 6502a
Sep 22, 2018
508
381
So after reading all the stories of people using the poster putty to clean up and restore the functionality of their APPs, I decided to buy a pair last week. I originally bought a pair the first day they came out, but after about a week the fit test the fit test started failing and the bass response disappeared. I think ANC got worse too, but I don't really remember. I returned those after testing some new tips in the Apple Store.

After a week of owning my new pair, the fit test is now failing and the bass response is gone. ANC seems reduced, but I'm in a quiet office so it's hard to specifically tell. The blu-tack trick isn't working for me. I really feel like at least part of my problem is that the ear tips have a certain stiffness to them that breaks down with use. They felt super secure in my ears on day 1, much less so on day 7. I'm returning this pair as well and have given up on this generation APP.

I'd be interested in trying again if Apple releases a v2 that acknowledges (even in a roundabout way) the issue, and/or if Comply or a company like that comes out with a really well regarded set of replacement tip. Super bummed as I love these when they work.

What Apple will do is most likely tweak the Ear Tip Fit Test so it passes more easily. If there is indeed a hardware issue they'll just side-step it with a software fix. "Nothing to see here, move along."
 
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bwinter88

macrumors regular
Jul 20, 2012
152
1,913
What Apple will do is most likely tweak the Ear Tip Fit Test so it passes more easily. If there is indeed a hardware issue they'll just side-step it with a software fix. "Nothing to see here, move along."
I'm assuming you're being facetious? Why on earth would they do that? The whole point of the test is to ensure good sound quality. That compromises the test entirely. You'd get everyone complaining of poor sound despite passing the test.

If there is a hardware problem, Apple will fix it in its next iteration. Personal audio doesn't work 100% for everyone. All ears are different—different physical fit, different sensitivity. You can't please everyone. You can please most people, however, which is why Apple's wearable department does more business than Netflix. The rest show up here to complain.

On the topic of the fit test—please, people, just ignore it. It's bogus anyway. If your earbuds sound good: live, laugh love, etc. If they don't: clean them, try different earbud sizes, try a different earbud style, get a replacement pair, return them, in that order.
 
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