Apple AirPods 4 ANC Fails Under Warranty, Service Demands Repair Fee
On April 30, 2025, I purchased Apple AirPods 4 ANC earbuds from Media Markt in Germany. While the product was still under warranty, one of the earbuds stopped charging and remained stuck at 1% battery at all times. Because of this issue, I took the earbuds to the Troy authorized service center located in Bursa Marka AVM.
After their inspection, the Troy service center claimed that the issue was caused by user error and quoted me a repair fee of approximately $161. I explained that I had only used the earbuds normally and that there had been no impact, dropping, liquid exposure, or misuse of any kind, meaning this could not reasonably be considered user error. Despite this, they told me they could not help unless I paid the fee and displayed a very dismissive and uninterested attitude throughout the process. I also pointed out that the device itself sells for around this same price, making the requested fee completely unreasonable, but their position did not change.
I then contacted Apple Support and explained the situation in detail. I stated that I have been a loyal Apple user for many years and own multiple Apple products, including phones, watches, and tablets. I also explained that this was the first time I had ever needed service support and that the way I was treated was extremely disappointing. Apple Support told me they could not offer any solution and refused my request to speak with a higher-level representative.
I am confident that this defect occurred on its own and that responsibility is being unfairly placed on me by labeling it as user error, despite the absence of any misuse. I am not unable to afford this amount, but I refuse to accept it because I believe this is a clear injustice. I am requesting that my Apple AirPods 4 ANC, serial number D0WVVXJ1YF, be replaced free of charge under warranty or that I receive a refund based on the current value of the product. At a minimum, I expect the defect to be resolved under warranty with no charges imposed on me under the claim of user error. I respectfully ask that this negative experience be addressed and that my issue be resolved as soon as possible in the interest of customer satisfaction.
