UPDATE 10/14: When Apple introduced the service program for faulty AirPods Pro earphones last year, the coverage lasted two years from the date of purchase. However, as MacRumors reports, the free repair or replacement offer has now been quietly extended to three years as the Apple support document confirms in its Additional Information section.
It means that anyone who is experiencing sound issues with AirPods Pro earphones purchased at the 2019 launch will now be covered until Oct. 2022. Alternatively, if you purchased them before Apple fixed the problems in Oct. 2022, you are now covered until 2023, with the exact date dependent on the date of purchase.
Original Story 11/2/2020:Are you experiencing static or crackling on your AirPods Pro? You might be eligible for a free replacement.
Apple says it's "determined that a small percentage of AirPods Pro may experience sound issues, [including] crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise or while talking on the phone." In some cases, Active Noise Cancellation might not work as expected, "such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise," Apple says.
The problems affect AirPods Pro made before October 2020; if that's you, Apple says it will fix or replace them free of charge. You'll need to bring them to an Apple authorized service provider, make an appointment at an Apple Store, or contact Apple Support.
"Your AirPods Pro will be examined prior to any service to verify that they are eligible for this program. AirPods Pro (left, right or both) with a confirmed issue will be replaced. The AirPods Pro case is not affected and will not be replaced," Apple says.
This only covers the AirPods Pro, not the original AirPods.