Apple offers replacements for faulty iPod shuffle earbuds
updated 03:40 pm EDT, Mon April 19, 2010
In-Ear, Remote and Mic sets also covered
Owners of the third-generation iPod shuffle may be eligible for a free set of replacement earbuds. The default buds can stop working properly "under certain conditions," according to Apple, although only a "very small percentage" of Shuffle owners have allegedly been affected. Broken earbuds display signs such as inconsistent or unresponsive controls, along with unintended voice playback, and/or sudden jumps or drops in volume.
Shuffles covered under the replacement program were built between February 2009 and February 2010, and also fall within a specific range of serial numbers. Requests must be completed via an Apple Store, an Apple service provider or the company's Online Service Assistant, and also involve returning the damaged headphones. Apple notes that the same program covers the In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic, and the Earphones with Remote and Mic, so long as they exhibit the same glitches.
