**AirPods Pro Class Action Litigation: Summary and Present Status**
Last year, Apple encountered a class action litigation claiming that it did not sufficiently address and resolve crackling and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) problems impacting first-generation AirPods Pro models. The lawsuit asserted that Apple misrepresented the ANC features and failed to reveal the defects, which resulted in consumer discontent.
**AirPods Pro 1 Issues**
In October 2020, Apple launched a service program for the initial AirPods Pro, recognizing that a manufacturing flaw could cause sound problems in certain units. The company indicated that affected units, produced before October 2022, would be exchanged at no cost. The issues highlighted by Apple included:
– Crackling or static noises that become more noticeable in noisy settings, during physical activity, or while on calls.
– ANC not operating as expected, leading to diminished bass or heightened background noise.
**The Initiated Class Action Litigation**
The class action lawsuit against Apple charged the company with failing to reveal the sound quality flaws and suggested that the service initiative was unproductive, as numerous users received replacement units that similarly displayed the same problems.
Recently, a US District Judge, Noël Wise, dismissed portions of the lawsuit, particularly the nationwide consumer protection and warranty claims, citing a lack of sufficient factual details from the plaintiffs. Furthermore, a claim for unjust enrichment under California law was also dismissed.
Nevertheless, the judge permitted some claims to move forward, especially those alleging that Apple withheld essential facts regarding the sound quality of the AirPods. The court also mentioned it was too early to assess whether Apple had an obligation to disclose the defects after the one-year warranty had lapsed.
As the case unfolds, impacted AirPods Pro 1 users may have the chance to participate in the class action. For more information, the original lawsuit filing and recent court documents can be found on ClassAction.org and Reuters.
