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evertjr

macrumors regular
Oct 24, 2016
242
333
I use a reusable lint roller that leaves no residue to clean my grills. That combined with cleaning my ears before each insertion has kept my replacement pair in perfect working order.

Sucks they are so fragile. But there's nothing else like them on the market so I put up with it
Never heard of this product before! Nice to know another option.
 

evertjr

macrumors regular
Oct 24, 2016
242
333
So no comments regarding that my Airpods Pro with 06CL serial (but 09/20 on box) and recessed grills are confirmed produced pre-Oct?
The left are completely gone. Rattling, static noise with calls, less bass, bad ANC and yellow fit test. Worst I've had.
I still get replacements on both, and will have them on Monday. (the Apple customer support thought it would be wrong to replace just the one when they were pre-Oct.)
I don’t know maybe he mistakenly said it was pre October. Or maybe just said that because it developed the same issue when it “shouldn’t”. I’m pretty sure the only thing Apple did was recess the mesh... so it can still develop the same issue. You should try cleaning them using one of the methods discussed here and be more aware of this when your replacements arrive.
 
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TheAustrianGuy

macrumors 6502
Apr 20, 2010
263
584
My left APP started rattling a couple days ago.
Will receive replacement APPs (the right refused to deliver a valid seal test for months) under AC+.
Glad I have it.

Purchased them Oct or Nov 19.
 
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japanime

macrumors 68030
Feb 27, 2006
2,916
4,846
Japan
My left APP started rattling a couple days ago.
Will receive replacement APPs (the right refused to deliver a valid seal test for months) under AC+.
Glad I have it.
The rattle is covered under an Apple service program, so having AC+ isn't necessary for this particular issue. (Still good to have for other issues, though.)

Also, make sure they don't try to charge you for an AC+ "incident." One of the support reps I spoke to tried to do just that, and I told him no way.
 
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TheAustrianGuy

macrumors 6502
Apr 20, 2010
263
584
No worries, got them replaced with F2 (Week 2 / 2021) pods, sent the old ones back and the support ticket is closed.
I hope they either break before the end of 2021, or last way beyond that :)

BTW: The new AirPods Pro sound amazing.
They are either way better than the original ones, or the old ones actually degenerated extremely over time.
 

evertjr

macrumors regular
Oct 24, 2016
242
333
I ended replacing my pair because I was feeling the anc was too weak, even after cleaning and fit test passing, so I decided to try... The process was really smooth, after talking to support I mailed my defective pair and a few days later a new pair arrived with a letter saying they were both replaced.

the new one have the recessed mesh and actually came updated on the latest firmware. Somehow they sound VERY different and the ANC is blocking some noises that the old pair stopped trying. Also might be placebo but I feel they sit differently on my ear, like if they tweaked the shape and I feel less pressure on my ear, but its probably because it’s ”new” and I spent a few days without it. Man I really love this product and I hope they stay good.
 

mppn

macrumors 6502
Feb 22, 2016
310
271
Montreal, QC, Canada
I ended replacing my pair because I was feeling the anc was too weak, even after cleaning and fit test passing, so I decided to try... The process was really smooth, after talking to support I mailed my defective pair and a few days later a new pair arrived with a letter saying they were both replaced.

the new one have the recessed mesh and actually came updated on the latest firmware. Somehow they sound VERY different and the ANC is blocking some noises that the old pair stopped trying. Also might be placebo but I feel they sit differently on my ear, like if they tweaked the shape and I feel less pressure on my ear, but its probably because it’s ”new” and I spent a few days without it. Man I really love this product and I hope they stay good.
It's not placebo. They worsen so much over time (when they do) and when you replace those, the change is noticeable. I did about 9 replacements in store since I bought those on launch day and everytime I do, I feel exactly the same.
 

BigZ12

macrumors member
Oct 7, 2020
57
24
It's not placebo. They worsen so much over time (when they do) and when you replace those, the change is noticeable. I did about 9 replacements in store since I bought those on launch day and everytime I do, I feel exactly the same.
9... :O (I've had 4.)
But yes, I agree. No placebo. Replacements are noticable better, compared to a pair used for a month or two.
 

japanime

macrumors 68030
Feb 27, 2006
2,916
4,846
Japan
My recessed-grille replacements are starting to squeal and rattle. Not all the time, but often enough to be annoying. Have had them for about four months.
 

Dkka1

Cancelled
Feb 28, 2019
190
309
I got them replaced twice during the first year, but it looks like the last example had an improved design because they haven’t failed ever since (fingers crossed)
 

Dkka1

Cancelled
Feb 28, 2019
190
309
The rattle is covered under an Apple service program, so having AC+ isn't necessary for this particular issue. (Still good to have for other issues, though.)

Also, make sure they don't try to charge you for an AC+ "incident." One of the support reps I spoke to tried to do just that, and I told him no way.
In the EU Apple Care is completely useless. It’s mandatory for all vendors to offer 2 years of full on warranty, so...
 

SparkOnShore

macrumors member
Feb 1, 2017
41
23
Unfortunately, no. Not after even cleaning them.

It's a flawed hardware design, for sure.
Very true!! Bose QC earbuds has got the correct design where no part of the earpiece and no microphone touches on any part of a greasy ear. Only the silicone tip touches on the ear. What was Apple thinking when putting a microphone grille in touch with skin i really cannot understand!! Deeply flawed design from the very start. I believe they should offer a discount to all of us when new version launches. If not, we should go after it for sure! They are asking for our money, so they are obligated to at least provide smooth user experience to the consumer. These are basic things...
 
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guinnessduck

macrumors member
Dec 27, 2020
53
64
When my right AirPods Pro failed last year they replaced just that one. Well my left one began to fail, so I went through all their hoops (made for a long day as I got disconnected from the chat on three separate occasions), and this time they wanted by the AirPods Pro and the charging case. So we'll see what I get back, and how long they work this time.
 

guinnessduck

macrumors member
Dec 27, 2020
53
64
When my right AirPods Pro failed last year they replaced just that one. Well my left one began to fail, so I went through all their hoops (made for a long day as I got disconnected from the chat on three separate occasions), and this time they wanted by the AirPods Pro and the charging case. So we'll see what I get back, and how long they work this time.
Well they replaced both AirPods Pro with the recessed grille design. It's still my same charging case (not that I expected that to be replaced), which I can tell because of the big scratch across it. They included a new set of tips on them, but those will just go in a drawer since I use the Comply tips I have. I had to re-pair them with my iPhone and redo all my settings for them, but that only took a minute. They sound great... let's hope that they stay that way!
 
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doolar

macrumors 6502a
Nov 25, 2019
644
1,128
My replacements with the recessed grille are starting to click. Time to make an appointment with Apple then.
 

Tofupunch

macrumors 6502
Dec 4, 2014
409
615
About to get my first pair of APP. Im kind of nervous that mine will eventually develop the dreaded rattle. I wonder how pervasive this issue is? I mean, I guess enough for them to 'redesign' them and open a replacement service...
 

ICEman-c81

macrumors newbie
Aug 17, 2014
15
4
Received my pair of AirPods Pro yesterday - says 11/2020 on the box, serial ends in OC6L - what's current consensus, they are the fixed ones, right?
 

doolar

macrumors 6502a
Nov 25, 2019
644
1,128
About to get my first pair of APP. Im kind of nervous that mine will eventually develop the dreaded rattle. I wonder how pervasive this issue is? I mean, I guess enough for them to 'redesign' them and open a replacement service...
I usually don't worry about these things - but the APPs I guess is a write-off when the Apple Store won't replace them any longer. To be fair, I expected them to last about two years battery wise - so I guess it's ok in the end.

I received my replacements with the recessed grille in late October, unfortunately the left one is crackling and making uncomfortable noises when I move my head. Six months is what I've had on both my sets now - I'm not too confident that the new replacements will last any longer, and in six months from now I think my original purchase date is past the two years extended warranty for this issue.

I hope they redesign them from scratch til the next iteration, I really do love the APPs. I'm lucky enough to afford the Airpods Max - so they are my most used headphones now. But I always pick the APPs for anything outdoors.
 
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Tofupunch

macrumors 6502
Dec 4, 2014
409
615
I usually don't worry about these things - but the APPs I guess is a write-off when the Apple Store won't replace them any longer. To be fair, I expected them to last about two years battery wise - so I guess it's ok in the end.

I received my replacements with the recessed grille in late October, unfortunately the left one is crackling and making uncomfortable noises when I move my head. Six months is what I've had on both my sets now - I'm not too confident that the new replacements will last any longer, and in six months from now I think my original purchase date is past the two years extended warranty for this issue.

I hope they redesign them from scratch til the next iteration, I really do love the APPs. I'm lucky enough to afford the Airpods Max - so they are my most used headphones now. But I always pick the APPs for anything outdoors.
I was considering the Max until I heard about the condensation issue. We apple fans have so much to put up with! Is that an issue for you?
I'm purchasing my APP from Costco and read up on the return policy so I think I'm good there. Even if I don't return them, the Costco Citi card provides an additional 2 years of warranty after the manufacturers warranty runs out so I think I'll have a safety net for a while.
 

doolar

macrumors 6502a
Nov 25, 2019
644
1,128
I was considering the Max until I heard about the condensation issue. We apple fans have so much to put up with! Is that an issue for you?
I'm purchasing my APP from Costco and read up on the return policy so I think I'm good there. Even if I don't return them, the Costco Citi card provides an additional 2 years of warranty after the manufacturers warranty runs out so I think I'll have a safety net for a while.
Yes I’ve had condensation in my APMs, but so I’ve had on most of my other closed back headphones. I wouldn’t worry about that at all, I certainly don’t FWIW.
 
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ascender

macrumors 603
Dec 8, 2005
5,021
2,897
My Pros started becoming incredibly temperamental about connecting to my phone unless I opened the case and then nearly shut it again - that would trigger the connection. I’d also be listening to music and it would start to cut out, then back in. I’d switch audio to the phone which would work, but when putting it back to the AirPods I’d get no audio at all.

I’ve returned them to be repaired as its driving me insane.
 

ascender

macrumors 603
Dec 8, 2005
5,021
2,897
I know my fault isn't related to the rattle issue, but I guess most users with AirPods Pro issues will find this thread given its unfortunate popularity.

I got my Pros back and they've replaced the right one due to "sound issues". What's interesting is that by just replacing one AirPod, its fixed the temperamental connection issue - they show up now as soon as I open the case. And whilst the audio issues affected both AirPods they've only replaced one. So presumably if one is playing up, it can cause all sorts of other strange effects as a result.

This is my third replacement of some or all of my AirPods Pro parts. I'm now more than a bit worried about what happens when the warranty expires.

That said, their repair system is damn impressive. I posted these on Monday and have got them back within 48 hours.
 
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