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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Kat George

I want my faulty earbud fixed. Should it cost less than replacing the pair?

White and black wireless headphones on white background
Anecdotal evidence shows that Beats earbuds should last for between three and five years. Photograph: Wanlop Pinyowong/Getty Images

I have a pair of Beats earbuds I received as a Christmas gift three years ago. They have been replaced once for free by Apple when they developed a sound issue within the warranty period. Recently, one earbud stopped working. I went to an authorised Apple repairer and was told the price of fixing them was equivalent to buying a new pair of earbuds. This seems wasteful to me as I’d rather repair the broken earbud, and I’m wondering if there is any recourse as to a discounted repair fee to encourage device repairs rather than replacements.

– Alana, Victoria

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