Yes. A proposed class action over crackling and other alleged sound defects in first-generation AirPods Pro is proceeding in federal court, but no class certification, settlement, or final judgment is established by the latest verified court order, dated April 10, 2026. The case is LaBella et al. v. Apple Inc., No. 5:24-cv-07588-NW, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
What the lawsuit alleges
The complaint, filed November 1, 2024, alleges Apple knew of an audio defect in first-generation AirPods Pro but continued selling and advertising them without adequately disclosing the problem or its service program. One plaintiff alleges both earbuds developed static and crackling and became unusable. These are plaintiffs’ allegations, not findings that Apple concealed a defect or that every affected-sounding pair has the same cause. Complaint
In an October 28, 2025 order, the court described the product as released in October 2019 and sold until September 2022, and summarized the plaintiffs’ claims and earlier rulings on Apple’s motions to dismiss. October 28, 2025 court order
What changed in the April 10, 2026 court order
The court granted Apple’s motion to dismiss certain claims without leave to amend, including specified implied-warranty claims and claims brought by two additional plaintiffs. The ruling narrowed the case; it was not a final decision on every remaining claim. April 10, 2026 order
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The plaintiffs’ second amended complaint sought seven proposed state subclasses: California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The order says they were no longer pursuing nationwide class claims. The court directed plaintiffs to file a third amended complaint limited to remaining claims by April 22, 2026, directed Apple to answer by May 13, 2026, and told the parties to begin discovery. Those directions do not mean the proposed classes were certified.
Has the case been certified or settled?
The April 10 order does not establish class certification or a settlement. The latest docket index located reports information only through April 10, 2026, so it does not verify whether the scheduled pleadings were filed or whether later rulings, certification decisions, a settlement, or a judgment followed. Check the court docket for developments after that date before relying on a newer status.
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What Apple’s crackling service program covered
Apple’s service page says, “Apple has determined that a small percentage of AirPods Pro may experience sound issues.” The page’s information date is October 1, 2021, and it describes a program for certain first-generation AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020—not every AirPods model. Apple AirPods Pro Service Program for Sound Issues
- Symptoms Apple lists: crackling or static that increases in loud environments, during exercise, or while talking on the phone; and certain active-noise-cancellation problems.
- Inspection and remedy: Apple or an authorized provider inspects the earbuds. If a left or right earbud is confirmed affected, Apple replaces the affected earbud without charge. The charging case is not affected or replaced under the program.
- Time limit: Apple says coverage lasts three years after the AirPods Pro’s first retail sale. The program does not extend standard warranty coverage.
That published period means an older pair should not be assumed eligible today. Eligibility depends on Apple’s examination and the time since first retail sale.
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What to check if your AirPods Pro crackle
- Identify the model. The case concerns first-generation AirPods Pro; the service program says no other AirPods models are included.
- Compare the symptoms. Check whether the sound matches Apple’s description, including crackling or static that worsens in loud environments, during exercise, or on phone calls.
- Ask Apple or an authorized provider to inspect them. A symptom alone does not confirm program eligibility; Apple says the affected earbud must be examined.
- Consider the first-sale date. Apple’s stated service period is three years after first retail sale, so manufacturing date alone does not establish that a device remains covered.
The service program and the lawsuit are separate: Apple’s program describes a limited inspection-and-replacement process, while the case concerns plaintiffs’ allegations about the product and its disclosure. The available court materials do not establish that buying an accessory or tool fixes the alleged defect.
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