A number of fans have fretted about the absence of the 3.5 mm audio jack in the iPhone 7 as it came with a pair of wireless earbuds. However, since the pair is not tethered to a wire, it is perpetually at risk of getting misplaced, and Apple says its replacement will cost consumers $69.

Fee For Lost, Damaged AirPods

The new information came with the latest Apple support document published on its website. That cost is similar if the AirPods got accidentally damaged. This is one of the conditions that are not covered by Apple's warranty.

"If your AirPods or charging case get damaged accidentally, you can pay an out-of-warranty fee," Apple said. "And if you lose an AirPod or your charging case, we can replace your lost item for a fee."

To make matters worse, the $69 fee only covers one AirPod. You will have to pay for the other earbud if you lost both. iPhone 7 users will just have to satisfy themselves with the fact that buying a new pair would set them back $159. On the other hand, this should be a boon to those who lost only a piece. This means that he will only have to pay for one rather than a new pair.

Limited AirPods Supply

It is interesting to note how the AirPods themselves were only made available for sale last Dec. 13. The delay is further complicated by reports that it comes in short supply. According to Apple Insider, limited stocks is causing the current six-week shipping delay.

There is no word yet coming out of Cupertino explaining the holdup. Apple watchers could only speculate about the cause. It could be due to high demand or production problems that could include Bluetooth connectivity issues. Whatever the case is, there are consumers buying a pair of AirPods at this point who will probably receive their earbuds after the holidays or, worse, next year.

AirPod Specs, Compatibility

It is not going to be surprising if the AirPods prove popular among the Apple enthusiasts. It sports Apple's W1 wireless chip, which extends the range of current Bluetooth technology. Pairing is also straightforward, which complements the gear's capability to sync with several devices at the same time.

Furthermore, the AirPods are also compatible with other Apple mobile devices so long as they are running iOS 10 or later. It can also support an Apple Watch running WatchOS 3 and any Mac models with macOS Sierra on board.