Despite what you may be seeing on your TikTok page, Apple isn't giving away free AirPods.
In the last several weeks, hundreds of videos have spawned on TikTok claiming that Apple is giving away free AirPods replacement as long as you walk into an Apple Store and request a new pair. The trend suggests that users of "Air Pods" can walk into an Apple Store and claim their earbuds are malfunctioning and get a replacement with no questions asked. There is a video from the trend.
There is a mischaracterization of Apple's replacement program, which is offered to customers with AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 who may be experiencing static or issues with active noise cancellation. The program requires employees to confirm the left, right, or both of the AirPods Pro earbuds are malfunctioning.
It seems like a harmless TikTok trend by ill-informed content creators is causing a problem for Apple Stores. There has been an increase in appointments to Apple Stores by customers who think they are eligible for a free pair of replacement AirPods when in reality they aren't.
According to two sources who spoke to MacRumors on the condition of anonymity, appointments for issues related to AirPods have nearly doubled in the last few weeks as the trend has gained traction on TikTok. The requirements for only the AirPods Pro replacement program are obvious.
Apple has determined that a small percentage of AirPods Pro may experience sound issues. Affected units were manufactured before October 2020.
An affected AirPods Pro may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise or while talking on the phoneActive Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise
Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service the affected AirPods Pro (left, right, or both) free of charge.
Eligible customers can make an appointment at their nearest Apple Store or authorized service provider. The program can be found on Apple's website.
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