Airpod Pro replacements - on my 5th one & still issues :(

[IlikeTeaMe]

Had AirPods Pro's for about 2 month and all working great. Then bass response dropped, then fit test kept failing. Apple replaced the pods only. Then that set started crackling. Replaced again. Then more problems with next 2 sets. I am now on my FIFTH set. Bass response excellent, fit test reports a good seal, but ANC is virtually non existent. This is a set that was delivered just over a week ago. So I can only assume under the program they are now replacing broken AirPods with broken AirPods? In addition to this, with this pair, switching between my iPhone and Mac just doesn't work. Could this be hardware also? My last pair worked OK. They were on old firmware when they arrived but they have now updated. Same issue.

 

[chrfr]

Had AirPods Pro's for about 2 month and all working great. Then bass response dropped, then fit test kept failing. Apple replaced the pods only. Then that set started crackling. Replaced again. Then more problems with next 2 sets. I am now on my FIFTH set. Bass response excellent, fit test reports a good seal, but ANC is virtually non existent. This is a set that was delivered just over a week ago. So I can only assume under the program they are now replacing broken AirPods with broken AirPods? In addition to this, with this pair, switching between my iPhone and Mac just doesn't work. Could this be hardware also? My last pair worked OK. They were on old firmware when they arrived but they have now updated. Same issue.

Given that the repair program is fairly new, there are certainly lots of older AirPods in the replacement channel, so I'd think it'll be a while before you can be sure you get a known good replacement.

 

[IlikeTeaMe]

I absolutely love them when they are working. I just wish I didn\'t have to replace them every few months!

 

[chabig]

but ANC is virtually non existent

What exactly is your expectation for ANC? In other words, why do you think it's not working?

 

[IlikeTeaMe]

The noise cancelling bit. Lol. My previous pair went back to be replaced because they were crackling. I compared them side by side with various white noise things (hairdryer etc ) and the crackly pair, ANC worked really well, the new pair however did virtually no ANC whatsoever.

Apple are sending me yet another pair. I now have £340 worth of holds on my bank account from Apple.

 

[chabig]

I asked because your expectations of ANC might not be in line with reality. ANC cannot make a hairdryer silent, for example.

 

[IlikeTeaMe]

No I totally understand. However I have experience of ANC working. Oddly enough on all of my not-fully-working AirPods to date, this is the first time I've had a problem with ANC.

 

[KVet1979]

I had mine replaced today due to fit test not passing and mediocre sound. Weirdly, they sound so much better now but, I too, feel ANC does not work as effectively. On quieter songs, I’m sure I can hear ambient noise. This soon goes as the songs go up a gear and become louder. Maybe I’m expecting too much? Overall, I’m happier. Another strange thing, the (new) recessed external vent seems to clog a lot easier than before too.....

 

[IlikeTeaMe]

On previous pairs I’ve had, ANC has been mind blowing. Like even without any music playing, the second I put them into noise cancellation mode, all the ambient noise of the room totally disappeared.

 

[itsmehuey]

mine were replaced just today as well - this is my second replacement but issues with this set were worse than original set. hopefully the replacements I got today don't start emitting the same problems (static "white noise" with ANC / transparency mode enabled, airpods jumping back n forth between OFF and Transparency mode whilst in use even though set to ANC ON, flat/hollow sound)