Apple has concluded two long-running service programs that addressed sound-related failures in specific first-generation AirPods Pro and iPhone 12 models. Owners of affected devices must now rely on standard warranty coverage or opt for paid repairs if these issues arise.
The first program targeted first-generation AirPods Pro units that produced crackling or static sounds and exhibited weakened active noise cancellation. According to Apple’s support documentation, this applied to earbuds manufactured before October 2020. After diagnostic testing confirmed the issue, customers were eligible for free earbud replacements. The program provided this coverage for a duration of three years from the device’s original date of retail sale.
The second initiative was the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro “no sound” program. Apple established this to address a specific hardware problem involving a failing receiver module component. Eligibility was limited to units manufactured between October 2020 and April 2021. The program explicitly did not cover the iPhone 12 mini or the iPhone 12 Pro Max models. For qualifying devices, Apple offered service for three years from the initial retail purchase date.
Apple has now removed both programs from its list of active service initiatives, a change that formalizes the end of complimentary service for devices that had already aged past their eligibility windows. Regional support pages for the iPhone 12 program now display a notice stating that the program has ended. As a result, customers should not expect complimentary replacements for failures that were previously covered under the former criteria.
For individuals who still possess first-generation AirPods Pro with intermittent crackling issues, any repair will likely be chargeable if the device is outside the original three-year program window. The policy shift primarily affects a shrinking pool of owners, as most of the hardware sold during the initial manufacturing periods had already surpassed the three-year coverage limit by the time the programs were officially removed. Owners are advised to verify their device’s original purchase date before considering paid repair options.
If service is required for either product, the recommended course of action is to begin with a diagnostic appointment at an Apple service location. In cases where the device is no longer covered under an expired program or standard warranty, technicians will provide a written estimate for the repair. This allows the owner to make an informed decision between paying for a repair or replacing the device with a current model.
