 "Apple likely to face new class action lawsuit over audio quality issues with AirPods Pro")
Apple may soon be battling a new class-action lawsuit over the notorious audio issues with its first-generation AirPods Pro.
A new lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, titled “LaBella et al v. Apple,” accuses the Cupertino-based tech giant of false advertising, misleading customers and failing to deliver on promises about the audio quality of the AirPods Pro. The lawsuit was filed on November 1.
Spanning 51 pages, the complaint argues that Apple misled consumers with claims of high-quality audio, even as widespread reports emerged of crackling and static sounds soon after the product’s release. Users complained about audio problems within months, prompting Apple to launch a service program in 2020 for units manufactured before October of that year.
However, the lawsuit contends that the audio defects are far more widespread than Apple acknowledged, affecting all first-generation AirPods Pro models. It alleges that Apple knew this but chose to extend the service program quietly, covering repairs for up to three years after purchase without adequately informing affected customers.
Apple’s support documents describe the defects in detail, noting that users could experience crackling or static sounds under certain conditions, such as in noisy environments, during workouts, or while on calls. Active Noise Cancellation issues were also commonly reported.
The lawsuit suggests that if these widespread defects had been disclosed upfront, customers would have avoided buying the AirPods Pro or paid significantly less, arguing that the product did not live up to the advertised premium quality.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe legal filing details multiple claims for relief, accusing Apple of breaching warranty laws in California, Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania. It also cites violations of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California Unfair Competition Law, and various other consumer protection laws.
The lawsuit further alleges that Apple failed to notify buyers of the service program adequately, leaving many unaware of their options for repair or replacement.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for themselves and other affected class members, along with pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, and a court order requiring Apple to repair or replace defective AirPods Pro units.
The case puts Apple’s product quality and customer communication under a harsh spotlight, and the outcome could have significant financial and reputational implications for the company.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
