AirPods Pro: Rattlegate

[chiefdave]

not surprisingly the latest replacements sent out by apple have failed. I've made 3 attempts now with support to go through the process again on each occasion have been told I need to pay £226.44 for a repair, a repair which will no doubt not fix the fault

not a coincidence imo that a repair is £225 but you can buy the working version, ie APP2, for £250. also not a coincidence imo that apple have stopped free repairs at the same time they release a working version

not eniterley sure this is in line with UK consumer law. its a but ambiguous but it states you can expect a purchase product to work for a 'reasonable length of time'. I would suggest something that costs this much can reasonably be expected to last much longer than it does

 

[GarethR]

not surprisingly the latest replacements sent out by apple have failed. I've made 3 attempts now with support to go through the process again on each occasion have been told I need to pay £226.44 for a repair, a repair which will no doubt not fix the fault

not a coincidence imo that a repair is £225 but you can buy the working version, ie APP2, for £250. also not a coincidence imo that apple have stopped free repairs at the same time they release a working version

not eniterley sure this is in line with UK consumer law. its a but ambiguous but it states you can expect a purchase product to work for a 'reasonable length of time'. I would suggest something that costs this much can reasonably be expected to last much longer than it does

So are they still replacing the V1 with a like for like V1 or the V2? Seems bizarre given there is a known issue that they'd just not replace with a V2.

I'd say you stand a strong case in terms of going to trading standards over this - Apple have by any stretch acknowledged the issue (albeit not issued a recall) as a design/manufacturing defect, hence the free replacements they've been issuing, so surely you're entitled to a working replacement.

 

[chiefdave]

So are they still replacing the V1 with a like for like V1 or the V2? Seems bizarre given there is a known issue that they'd just not replace with a V2.

I'd say you stand a strong case in terms of going to trading standards over this - Apple have by any stretch acknowledged the issue (albeit not issued a recall) as a design/manufacturing defect, hence the free replacements they've been issuing, so surely you're entitled to a working replacement.

they claim they repair them but if you track your repair in its in the workshop for so little time they are clearly just testing them and replacing. I'm assuming they are replacing with reconditioned which probably explains why they breakdown again so quickly compared to how long it took for the fault to occur initially

they replace with V1 and their claim now is that as V1 is over 3 years old the service program no longer is in place and you have to pay for a repair

at no point has there been any offer to trade in and replace with V2. after all the problems people have experienced wit V1 I don't feel it would have been unreasonable to expect a good trade in offer for people to move to V2

there's certainly a case for trading standards, suspect they know this and just work on the basis not many people will want all that hassle and will give up before it reaches that point

 

[GarethR]

they claim they repair them but if you track your repair in its in the workshop for so little time they are clearly just testing them and replacing. I'm assuming they are replacing with reconditioned which probably explains why they breakdown again so quickly compared to how long it took for the fault to occur initially

they replace with V1 and their claim now is that as V1 is over 3 years old the service program no longer is in place and you have to pay for a repair

at no point has there been any offer to trade in and replace with V2. after all the problems people have experienced wit V1 I don't feel it would have been unreasonable to expect a good trade in offer for people to move to V2

there's certainly a case for trading standards, suspect they know this and just work on the basis not many people will want all that hassle and will give up before it reaches that point

Well at least the threat of trading standards may actually lead to a "goodwill gesture" on a case by case basis?

 

[Kottu]

I got problems with my APP since feb 2022. Guarantee period was over but when I spoke to Apple in May, they told me to take it to their authorised dealer in my town. (nearest Applestore is 400kms away!). I took it there and after a week I got it replaced(31/5). Again in August I got problems and I called the service center. I got a new pair after a week. Past 4.5 months I haven't experienced any problems.

 

[chiefdave]

Good news. Got escalated to a senior person in support who said they couldn't do much more as the repair program had ended but passed me onto a team in Ireland who seemingly have more flexibility

From there I got transferred to somewhere else, from the sounds of things somewhere in Scandinavia, and after reviewing the ridiculous number of repairs on my account they are now sending me APP2 with no charge

Initially they were going to send new, rather than refurb, APP but when they went to put that order through there was no stock so they are sending the new, working, version instead

 

[DeftwillP]

That's promising to hear chiefdave. I've had mine replaced either 2 or 3 times now, the most recent being about a month ago. I was noticing how bad the ANC was yesterday while cleaning the house and thats usually the start before the crackling happens. It is for me at least.

 

[madeirabhoy]

my left airpod is now rattling, they are a replacement pair but ive had them for a year and a half i think. is it worth taking them to apple bearing in mind it would be an authorised repair centre and not apple themselves? I also have to confess i have dropped each of them on hard floors recently so its probably my fault.

if i have to pay, im weighing up, its €90 i think for a single pod replacement, but that means one airpod is brand new and ones a year and a half old, plus the charging case seems to not hold as much charge as its supposed to.

should i just bite the bullet and buy the gen 2s? or go for the non pro gen 3s?


or do i just keep them, bearing in mind most of the time i only wear one pod in at a time, so i could basically see them as a single right ear pod and get another year out of it.

 

[whrage]

my left airpod is now rattling, they are a replacement pair but ive had them for a year and a half i think. is it worth taking them to apple bearing in mind it would be an authorised repair centre and not apple themselves? I also have to confess i have dropped each of them on hard floors recently so its probably my fault.

if i have to pay, im weighing up, its €90 i think for a single pod replacement, but that means one airpod is brand new and ones a year and a half old, plus the charging case seems to not hold as much charge as its supposed to.

should i just bite the bullet and buy the gen 2s? or go for the non pro gen 3s?


or do i just keep them, bearing in mind most of the time i only wear one pod in at a time, so i could basically see them as a single right ear pod and get another year out of it.

I wouldn't buy an APP2 just now. Some people reported the same crackling issue with them. Maybe wait more months to gather experience with APP2.

 

[Kottu]

I got problems with my APP since feb 2022. Guarantee period was over but when I spoke to Apple in May, they told me to take it to their authorised dealer in my town. (nearest Applestore is 400kms away!). I took it there and after a week I got it replaced(31/5). Again in August I got problems and I called the service center. I got a new pair after a week. Past 4.5 months I haven't experienced any problems.

It's time to take my APP again to the service center. The right earpiece is rattling. Slightest movement causes it.

 

[Cromulent]

I bought the AirPods Pro in March 2022 and have had to send them back to Apple to be repaired twice now. I think I will get the AirPods Pro 2 now as I don't have much confidence in my original pros holding up in the long term.

 

[Sean006]

Have the same issue with my AirPod Pros V1 rattling like crazy. Called Apple spent an hour and a half on the phone with Support and they told me there was nothing they could do except repair for $270 which sounds like a bargain, huh? Lol

i’m not a fan of the in ear type of earbuds so Im trying the AirPods 3 for now.
i’ve used them twice at the gym and already they have fallen out of my ear. Seems the original AirPod design was better for my ear so I may buy AirPods two for $99 on Amazon. What a pain in the ass this is.

 

[Kottu]

Have the same issue with my AirPod Pros V1 rattling like crazy. Called Apple spent an hour and a half on the phone with Support and they told me there was nothing they could do except repair for $270 which sounds like a bargain, huh? Lol

i’m not a fan of the in ear type of earbuds so Im trying the AirPods 3 for now.
i’ve used them twice at the gym and already they have fallen out of my ear. Seems the original AirPod design was better for my ear so I may buy AirPods two for $99 on Amazon. What a pain in the ass this is.

Apple has a repair program regarding AirPods pro 1 because of rattling issues. Talk to them again about it. If you have an Apple Store nearby, just take them there.

AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues - Apple Support

AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues

support.apple.com

 

[reggavegga]

Have the same issue with my AirPod Pros V1 rattling like crazy. Called Apple spent an hour and a half on the phone with Support and they told me there was nothing they could do except repair for $270 which sounds like a bargain, huh? Lol

i’m not a fan of the in ear type of earbuds so Im trying the AirPods 3 for now.
i’ve used them twice at the gym and already they have fallen out of my ear. Seems the original AirPod design was better for my ear so I may buy AirPods two for $99 on Amazon. What a pain in the ass this is.

I have had luck with the Beats Fit Pro.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Apple has a repair program regarding AirPods pro 1 because of rattling issues. Talk to them again about it. If you have an Apple Store nearby, just take them there.

AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues - Apple Support

AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues

support.apple.com

Mine were purchased in Nov 2019. Left was replaced for rattlegate long ago. Right bud has the issue as of this week, but I’m outside the window of the extended repair program (I’ve tried the sticky tape/air cleaning method to no avail) and am considering my options. I’m not thrilled about how many Beats Fit Pro owners reported torn wings or else I’d just buy those.

Questions:

1. Has anyone had luck getting a replacement bud at no charge after three years and a few months?

2. Has rattlegate really been resolved in generation 2? I only see a few remarks in this thread.

 

[NedFlanders]

Mine were purchased in Nov 2019. Left was replaced for rattlegate long ago. Right bud has the issue as of this week, but I’m outside the window of the extended repair program (I’ve tried the sticky tape/air cleaning method to no avail) and am considering my options. I’m not thrilled about how many Beats Fit Pro owners reported torn wings or else I’d just buy those.

Questions:

1. Has anyone had luck getting a replacement bud at no charge after three years and a few months?

2. Has rattlegate really been resolved in generation 2? I only see a few remarks in this thread.

The same thing happened to me (left replaced and now the right started to rattle this week… I decided to get the Beats Fit Pro while checking out the options on the Apple Store (Canada). I figured they aren’t going to replace the right one as it is now out of warranty and I can still throw them into my work computer bag and use them for zoom calls. I bought the Beats and paid for same day shipping. The next day I find them $50 cheaper on Amazon sold by Beats by Dre. I had a text chat and was basically told send them back or (and this is a direct quote); “If there's nothing else, please do me a favor and stay happy whatever life brings. Stay safe and have a great rest of your day.” Great way to treat a customer who just this year has spent over $2800.00 on Apple products! Anyway I am happy with the sound quality and the fit of the Beats Fit Pro. I have a larger ear canal so the beats fit well and lock in place without having to bend the wingtips to far.

 

[CharlesShaw]

.. I figured they aren’t going to replace the right one as it is now out of warranty and I can still throw them into my work computer bag and use them for zoom calls.

Yeah, I only use my left Airpod for calls anyhow, so I was thinking I could just keep them “as is” for that purpose, buy Beats Fit Pro with AC+, or maybe just pay the US$89 fee for a lost Airpod replacement.

I guess I need to accept that Apple earphones ownership is going to cost about $100/year, lol.

 

[reggavegga]

Mine were purchased in Nov 2019. Left was replaced for rattlegate long ago. Right bud has the issue as of this week, but I’m outside the window of the extended repair program (I’ve tried the sticky tape/air cleaning method to no avail) and am considering my options. I’m not thrilled about how many Beats Fit Pro owners reported torn wings or else I’d just buy those.

Questions:

1. Has anyone had luck getting a replacement bud at no charge after three years and a few months?

2. Has rattlegate really been resolved in generation 2? I only see a few remarks in this thread.

If you were to get Beats Fit Pro's just handle them by the body of it not the wings and should not have that problem.

 

[CharlesShaw]

If you were to get Beats Fit Pro's just handle them by the body of it not the wings and should not have that problem.

Among the options, switching to BFP seems the most appealing to me, since most of my Airpods usage was at the gym. I’ll get the $29 AC+ if I go with them.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I got a pair of Beats Fit Pro yesterday and they are perfect for me and my use case. I‘m no longer upset that my right AirPod developed the rattle after 3 years and 3 months.

My favorite thing about the BFP’s is the physical button for playback functions. I was able to control them today wearing gloves and wearing a knit cap over my ears.

Regarding the APPs, reading MR forum informed me about turning off ANC or Transparency (something I’d never tried) which eliminates the rattle issue in the affected AirPod, but there is some distortion at high volume or with very low frequency music, so I needed to replace them, as I do use Transparency mode a lot, but at least the old APPs can be used for phone calls and podcasts or whatever, instead of just recycling them.

 

[RollTide1017]

I bought my AirPods Pro in May 2020 and the right one just started having the clicking, rattling problem a few weeks ago. I contacted support via the chat option last Friday, explained my problem and posted a link to the Apple Repair Program page. The sent me a box that I received on Monday. They asked me to send both AirPods even though the issue was only happening in the R one. They received them this morning at 12:41pm according to the status page. At 12:48pm, they were mark as repaired. Tracking says I will get them back on Friday.

So, the program still works, especially if you are under the 3 year mark. If you are not having any luck with a phone call, try the chat option. It worked for me. I hope the new ones last more than a few months unlike others in this thread.

Oh, I had also noticed that the ear fit test would always fail. I noticed this a while back but didn't think much of it because that test had always been real touchy with my ears, no matter which tips I used.

 

[AppleMango]

Hi all,

I need your help!

Quick recap: APP 1.Gen (purchased in UK 06/2020) were both replaced in 04/2022 in Germany out of warranty.

Today I presented them again to Apple in UK because of connection and sound issues.

Test results: right side “audio frequency” failed.
I was shown the results from 2022: right side failed output, left side failed crackling test.

I was told even though there is a “out of warranty”-programme, I’m not eligible for that and would have to pay £89 per side.
I asked specifically if it’s the same error and if that programme would apply, but I was told after the 1st replacement I’ve only got a 90d-warranty to claim the same error again.

I’m pretty upset now. I’m a dedicated apple user of late onset but praise their support and service but this was subpar.
I expected more.

So how can people say they’re on their 5th replacement here in this thread when I’m basically told this is a throwaway-product after warranty?

Any input appreciated!

 

[vinegarshots]

Hi all,

I need your help!

Quick recap: APP 1.Gen (purchased in UK 06/2020) were both replaced in 04/2022 in Germany out of warranty.

Today I presented them again to Apple in UK because of connection and sound issues.

Test results: right side “audio frequency” failed.
I was shown the results from 2022: right side failed output, left side failed crackling test.

I was told even though there is a “out of warranty”-programme, I’m not eligible for that and would have to pay £89 per side.
I asked specifically if it’s the same error and if that programme would apply, but I was told after the 1st replacement I’ve only got a 90d-warranty to claim the same error again.

I’m pretty upset now. I’m a dedicated apple user of late onset but praise their support and service but this was subpar.
I expected more.

So how can people say they’re on their 5th replacement here in this thread when I’m basically told this is a throwaway-product after warranty?

Any input appreciated!

The out-of-warranty replacement program only applies to units manufactured before Oct 2020.

https://support.apple.com/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues

For any replacement units under warranty, those replacements are only under warranty for 90 days. So, you're out of luck. But honestly, Gen 1 AirPods Pro have a serious design flaw in my opinion (that was fixed in the Gen 2s), and any replacement you get is going to break again, most likely. You'd be better off spending the money on Gen 2 units rather than "repairing" the Gen 1s.

 

[AppleMango]

The out-of-warranty replacement program only applies to units manufactured before Oct 2020.

https://support.apple.com/airpods-pro-service-program-sound-issues

For any replacement units under warranty, those replacements are only under warranty for 90 days. So, you're out of luck. But honestly, Gen 1 AirPods Pro have a serious design flaw in my opinion (that was fixed in the Gen 2s), and any replacement you get is going to break again, most likely. You'd be better off spending the money on Gen 2 units rather than "repairing" the Gen 1s.

Wow. I’m flabbergasted. Many thanks for the clarification. So that means the people on here saying they’re on their 5th pair just do it within those 90 days? That’s crazy.

I agree with you, those 1.Gen are flawed. I’m mad I bought them and they’re waste now. Maybe it’s true what they say about 1.Gen products from apple - better wait.

 

[Sikh]

Wow. I’m flabbergasted. Many thanks for the clarification. So that means the people on here saying they’re on their 5th pair just do it within those 90 days? That’s crazy.

I agree with you, those 1.Gen are flawed. I’m mad I bought them and they’re waste now. Maybe it’s true what they say about 1.Gen products from apple - better wait.

For what its worth, my Gen 1's are still going strong.

I think the main design flaw was having the "outside" mic in an area where it could easily get damaged. This simple change in the APP2 made a big difference.

I dont know what it is, but I wouldn't say gen 1 products are bad. I'm an early adopted of a lot of tech from lots of companies and apple is one of the few to actually take care of their early adopters instead of letting them "deal with the growing pains".

The SP1 and first surface arm are perfect examples of this and i had both. Microsoft did not put enough resources behind ironing out all of the bugs but were "very committed to the surface". It wasn't until the Surface Pro 3 that they really showed they were committed and fixed things very quickly.