Three years of crackling, and they still sold it.
Apple faces a class-action lawsuit over its first-gen AirPods Pro for persistent crackling and static sounds. Plaintiffs say Apple knowingly sold flawed products and failed to address the issue despite ongoing complaints.
The Class Action Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
Apple’s first-gen AirPods Pro, once praised for noise-canceling and sound quality, are now the subject of a class-action lawsuit. Customers claim the earbuds were riddled with problems Apple allegedly knew about from the start but failed to resolve.
The lawsuit claims Apple sold these defective earbuds for nearly three years, up until the second-gen AirPods Pro launched in 2022.
Even worse, replacement units provided under Apple’s repair program often had the same issues. Customers who sought help were left frustrated, and many feel Apple knowingly sold a product that didn’t live up to its promises.
Plaintiffs argue they wouldn’t have paid premium prices if Apple had disclosed the defects.
They also highlighted a comparison of AirPods Pro manufactured before and after October 2020 showing no real changes in the components. This suggests the problem was never fully addressed.
Apple extended its repair program by a year, but the lawsuit claims this was more of a band-aid than a solution.
To make their case stronger, the plaintiffs point to the redesigned AirPods Pro second generation. They argue that the new design changes—like improved microphones and noise-canceling hardware—prove that the original defects couldn’t be fixed.
For now, the lawsuit is focused on getting compensation for affected users and holding Apple accountable. It’s a significant case, not just because of the scale of the claims, but because it touches on the trust consumers place in a brand as dominant as Apple.
Consumer Reactions and Next Steps
The lawsuit has struck a chord with many AirPods Pro users who’ve faced these audio issues firsthand. Social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit are full of stories from customers reporting similar problems.
For some, the lawsuit feels like long-overdue recognition of their frustrations.
These stories emphasize one of the lawsuit’s central issues: Apple’s lack of communication with customers about their eligibility for the repair program.
Instead of proactively reaching out to notify buyers, Apple left it up to consumers to discover and act on the program themselves. This lack of transparency meant some users missed the program’s deadlines entirely, leaving them stuck with defective products.
If you own a first-generation pair of AirPods Pro, there’s a chance you may be included in the class action. Here’s what you should know:
- Check if you’re included: Most affected consumers are automatically part of the class action. You won’t need to take immediate steps to join.
- Stay updated: Follow reliable sources like ClassAction.org to track case updates.
- Prepare for a settlement: If the lawsuit results in a settlement, you may need to fill out a claim form online or by mail to receive compensation.
- Verify your eligibility: Check your AirPods Pro serial number. Apple’s previous repair program covered units made before October 2020, which are likely central to this lawsuit.
- Share your story: Posting on social media or forums can raise awareness and support affected consumers.
For now, monitor developments and watch for announcements about the next steps. Compensation might include refunds, repairs, or other remedies for those impacted by the defects.
What Apple’s Past Lawsuits Reveal
Apple has a long history of legal battles involving consumer complaints, antitrust cases, and intellectual property disputes. Each case tells a story about how one of the world’s largest tech companies navigates controversy.
One of Apple’s most infamous legal battles was “Batterygate.”
Consumers filed class actions after learning iOS updates were slowing older iPhones to preserve battery health. Apple argued the throttling was meant to prevent unexpected shutdowns, but many saw it as a way to push users toward upgrading their devices. The case ended with Apple agreeing to pay up to $500 million, offering affected users $25 per device.
The company also dealt with backlash over the MacBook’s butterfly keyboard design.
It was supposed to revolutionize typing but turned out to be highly prone to failure from dust or debris. After years of complaints, Apple replaced the butterfly keyboard with a more traditional design. The company also resolved lawsuits with a $50 million settlement finalized in 2023. Affected MacBook owners received payments of $50 to $395, depending on their repair history.
These cases show a pattern in how Apple responds to legal challenges. The company rarely admits fault outright. Instead, they often address issues behind the scenes. Settlements are common, as they allow Apple to avoid prolonged public scrutiny while compensating affected users.
The AirPods Pro lawsuit may follow a similar path. If it gains traction, Apple could settle and offer compensation to those affected, particularly given the volume of complaints. While it’s too early to predict the outcome, past cases suggest Apple might prioritize damage control to protect its brand.
Ultimately, what responsibility do tech giants have when flagship products fail?
This case could set a precedent for transparency and accountability. A resolution favoring consumers might push companies to address flaws fairly, while inaction risks eroding trust. For consumers, it’s about more than compensation; it’s about trust in the products they invest in and the companies behind them.