Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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Apple to Charge $69 to Replace a Lost or Broken AirPod
On its iPhone Service Pricing page, Apple recently updated its repair and replacement costs for AirPods, which went on sale earlier this week.
Apple doesn't appear to be offering AppleCare+ for AirPods, instead providing a standard one-year warranty that's available on all Apple products. If the AirPods need service during that one year period, all work will be covered for free.
After the one-year warranty has expired, Apple will charge a $69 fee for out-of-warranty service repairs. Battery service for AirPods that lose battery capacity is free during the one-year warranty period or $49 out of warranty.
If you lose or damage one of the AirPods or the charging case, Apple will charge $69 for a replacement, regardless of whether or not the AirPods are still under warranty. The pricing in Apple's support document is U.S. pricing, and will vary based on country.
AirPods first went on sale Tuesday morning with shipment dates as early as December 21, but supplies were quickly exhausted. Within an hour, delivery estimates slipped to December 29, and shortly after that, fell again to four weeks.
AirPods orders placed today in the United States will not ship out for six weeks, arriving to customers towards the end of January. Apple is expected to start offering AirPods in stores starting next week, so customers who did not get a chance to pre-order may still be able to get a set of AirPods.
Apple has said stores will be receiving "regular AirPods shipments," but supplies are likely to be tight as demand is high.
Priced at $159, AirPods are wire-free Bluetooth-equipped headphones that are able to provide up to five hours of music playback. AirPods use a new Apple-designed W1 chip to quickly switch between devices, and include features like touch-based controls and Siri. AirPods charge via an included charging case and a Lightning cable.
Apple doesn't appear to be offering AppleCare+ for AirPods, instead providing a standard one-year warranty that's available on all Apple products. If the AirPods need service during that one year period, all work will be covered for free.
After the one-year warranty has expired, Apple will charge a $69 fee for out-of-warranty service repairs. Battery service for AirPods that lose battery capacity is free during the one-year warranty period or $49 out of warranty.
If you lose or damage one of the AirPods or the charging case, Apple will charge $69 for a replacement, regardless of whether or not the AirPods are still under warranty. The pricing in Apple's support document is U.S. pricing, and will vary based on country.
AirPods first went on sale Tuesday morning with shipment dates as early as December 21, but supplies were quickly exhausted. Within an hour, delivery estimates slipped to December 29, and shortly after that, fell again to four weeks.
AirPods orders placed today in the United States will not ship out for six weeks, arriving to customers towards the end of January. Apple is expected to start offering AirPods in stores starting next week, so customers who did not get a chance to pre-order may still be able to get a set of AirPods.
Apple has said stores will be receiving "regular AirPods shipments," but supplies are likely to be tight as demand is high.
Priced at $159, AirPods are wire-free Bluetooth-equipped headphones that are able to provide up to five hours of music playback. AirPods use a new Apple-designed W1 chip to quickly switch between devices, and include features like touch-based controls and Siri. AirPods charge via an included charging case and a Lightning cable.
Related Roundup: AirPods 2
Tag: AirPods Guide
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
[ 270 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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36 months ago
Total ******** ripoff.
Tim Cook is a joke. The sooner he is fired, the sooner they can get someone in there to save Apple.
How this incompetent has lasted this long is beyond belief.
36 months ago
So basically if you want a second pair of AirPods for yourself or a gift, just claim to Apple you lost them and you'll get a discount
$69 x 3 is a lot more than $159...
36 months ago
Total ******* ripoff.
Tim Cook is a joke. The sooner he is fired, the sooner they can get someone in there to save Apple.
How this incompetent has lasted this long is beyond belief.
It's a ripoff to offer a reasonably priced option to purchase 1/3 of a whole item in the chance you're irresponsible and lose one of your AirPods?
Edit: Sorry, 1 headphone is 1/3 of the whole item, not 1/2, as another user pointed out to me. Carry on.
36 months ago
Now, an event that happens all the time if you take the subway (people bumping into you), or run outside can cost you $69. LOL. Biggest joke of a product Apple has come out in a long time.
But oh wait I know what people will tell me "don't bump into people" or "move to Montana" or "just don't seek human contact"
Or just don't buy them.
36 months ago
Total ******* ripoff.
Tim Cook is a joke. The sooner he is fired, the sooner they can get someone in there to save Apple.
How this incompetent has lasted this long is beyond belief.
Boy, I'd have loved to see your reaction when they announced the $1000 extra for a 64GB SSD in the first-gen MacBook Air.
Great first post, by the way. I'm sure we're going to see some fabulous objectivity from you in the future.
36 months ago
Total ******* ripoff.
Tim Cook is a joke. The sooner he is fired, the sooner they can get someone in there to save Apple.
How this incompetent has lasted this long is beyond belief.
Tim Cook is a joke. The sooner he is fired, the sooner they can get someone in there to save Apple.
How this incompetent has lasted this long is beyond belief.
36 months ago
For all the trolls and whiners on this thread, I have the perfect solution for you!
Use the earbuds that came with your phone! They're tied together and to your phone, so even with all the contact sports you seem to be playing on the subway, you're almost sure not to lose them! Also, there are no batteries to wear out and replace! Also, they were 'free' with your iPhone! Finally, even with all that, if you still manage to lose them, smash them, or your barber accidentally snips one loose, you can get them replaced for only $29!
Problem solved.
Use the earbuds that came with your phone! They're tied together and to your phone, so even with all the contact sports you seem to be playing on the subway, you're almost sure not to lose them! Also, there are no batteries to wear out and replace! Also, they were 'free' with your iPhone! Finally, even with all that, if you still manage to lose them, smash them, or your barber accidentally snips one loose, you can get them replaced for only $29!
Problem solved.
36 months ago
Total ******** ripoff.
Tim Cook is a joke. The sooner he is fired, the sooner they can get someone in there to save Apple.
How this incompetent has lasted this long is beyond belief.
36 months ago
It's a ripoff to offer a reasonably priced option to purchase half of a whole item in the chance you're irresponsible and lose one of your AirPods?
Right! People will complain about anything here. This is a big reason I usually don't post here.For those complaining, please name another manufacturer that will offer anything like this for replacement if lost. Also, please share where online you expressed the same vitriol for the president of that company.
I know I shouldn't feed the trolls but I was actually happy Apple has a replacement option out of the gate and the trolls here just **** all over it.
[ Read All Comments ]
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