Apple is facing a class action lawsuit over claims it misrepresented the quality of its AirPods Pro Gen 1.

Three plaintiffs are accusing the tech giant of falsely advertising the $250 earbuds as “premium” products despite being aware of significant defects.

According to the lawsuit, Apple continued to market these AirPods for three years after acknowledging that many units had sound-related issues.

The plaintiffs allege that the company misled consumers about the product’s capabilities, including its audio and noise-canceling features.

Defective Sound Quality and Unaddressed Complaints

The lawsuit centers around complaints that began in 2019, with customers reporting major sound issues such as crackling, static, and a loss of audio.

Apple initially acknowledged these defects in 2020, a year after the AirPods’ release.

The company confirmed that it would repair or replace affected units at no cost to the consumer.

However, the plaintiffs argue that Apple buried this admission in its support pages, failing to notify customers about the defect.

Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that Apple continued selling the defective units, even though the company had not taken proper action to resolve the issue.

Apple’s Service Program and Extended Coverage

While Apple did extend its service program to cover the defective devices for up to two years after purchase, the lawsuit points out that this was not sufficient.

Just before the program’s deadline, Apple allegedly updated its coverage to three years, knowing that the issue could not be fixed.

The plaintiffs argue that Apple should have removed the defective earbuds from store shelves and provided clearer communication to consumers.

Plaintiffs Share Their Experiences

The plaintiffs in the case, including Lindsey LaBella and Stacey Rodgers, have both experienced the sound issues firsthand.

LaBella purchased her AirPods Pro in 2022 and began hearing crackling and static sounds within a year.

Despite visiting an Apple store in May 2024, she was told that her earbuds were defective, but would have to pay $89 per earbud to repair them.

Similarly, Rodgers, who bought her AirPods Pro in 2021, faced similar issues and was told it would cost $89 per earbud to replace them in 2023.

Consumer Protection Violations

The lawsuit highlights violations of consumer protection and warranty laws in states like California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

These laws, in place since 1975, are designed to protect consumers from false advertising and defective products.

The plaintiffs argue that Apple’s failure to notify customers about the defects and its continued sale of the AirPods Pro Gen 1 violated these protections.

What’s Next for the Lawsuit?

The lawsuit does not specify a payout amount, but a hearing is set for February 5, 2025.

Apple’s legal team will likely face scrutiny over the claims of misleading advertising and failure to address the AirPods’ defects in a timely manner.

Consumers are closely watching the case, as it could have broader implications for how tech companies handle defective products and communicate with their customers.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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