Last year, Apple faced a class action lawsuit alleging that it failed to adequately address and fix crackling and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) issues affecting first-generation AirPods Pro units.
As reported by Reuters, Apple recently succeeded in convincing a U.S. judge to dismiss parts of this proposed class action lawsuit.
### AirPods Pro 1 Problems
Apple launched a service program for the original AirPods Pro in October 2020, acknowledging a manufacturing defect that could cause “sound issues” in some units. The company stated that affected AirPods Pro units were manufactured before October 2022 and offered free replacements to customers.
Here’s how Apple described the problems when it initiated the service program:
– Crackling or static sounds that worsen in loud environments, during exercise, or while talking on the phone
– Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound or an increase in background noise like street or airplane sounds
### The Proposed Class Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed last year, accused Apple of misrepresenting the ANC capabilities of the first-generation AirPods Pro and failing to disclose these defects. It also claimed that the service program was ineffective, as many users reportedly received replacement AirPods Pro Gen 1 units that experienced the same audio defects.
According to Reuters, a U.S. District Judge Noël Wise in San Jose granted Apple’s request to dismiss certain claims. Specifically, the judge dismissed the nationwide consumer protection and warranty allegations, citing insufficient factual detail from the plaintiffs. Additionally, a claim of “unjust enrichment under California law” was also dismissed.
However, the court allowed other claims to proceed. Plaintiffs are permitted to move forward with claims that Apple omitted material facts regarding the AirPods’ sound quality. The court also decided it was premature to determine whether Apple had a duty to disclose the alleged defect after the devices’ one-year warranty had expired.
You can read the original lawsuit filing at ClassAction.org and follow updates on Reuters.
Assuming the case continues through the court system, affected AirPods Pro 1 users may eventually be able to join the class and participate in the lawsuit.
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Stay tuned for more updates on this story and related tech accessories.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/29/apple-scores-partial-win-in-airpods-pro-crackling-lawsuit/
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