Apple has launched a new Apple Headphones with Remote Replacement Program for units included with certain third-generation iPod shuffle models. According to the program’s page, “Apple has determined that the Apple Headphones with Remote included with the iPod shuffle (3rd gen) may fail under certain conditions.” The page claims that a “very small percentage” of iPod shuffle owners had experienced the issue, and that the headphones were distributed with iPod shuffles made between February 2009 and February 2010. “If your headphones stop working or work intermittently as described below, Apple will replace them, free of charge, for two years from date of purchase,” the page states.
Apple lists several symptoms for failing headphones, including non-responsive or intermittently working controls, unexpected volume changes, and unexpected voice feedback. According to the program page, the serial number ranges for the iPod shuffle units with covered headphones are xx909xxxxxx to xx952xxxxxx and xx001xxxxxx to xx004xxxxxx. Notably, the page also states that Apple’s In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic and the company’s Earphones with Remote and Mic are also eligible for coverage under the program if they exhibit the listed symptoms. Failing iPod shuffle headphones have been the source of customer complaints since the third-generation model was released last year; Apple was sued in a class-action lawsuit over the issues in March. [via TUAW]
