Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Intel CPUs stability issue

2026-02-19T19:48:51Z

Postpunkmamma: added citation for Intel's statement. Minor formatting changes

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Intel
|StartDate=2024-07-22
|EndDate=
|Status=Resolved
|ProductLine=Raptor Lake
|Product=
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Defects, Poor Quality
|Description=Intel's 13th and 14th generation CPUs are unstable, requiring a microcode update.
}}
{{Cleanup}}

This article discusses the stability issues related to '''[[Intel]]'''<nowiki/>'s 13th and 14th generation desktop processors, and how the company has handled the situation.

==The problem==
Some users have reported system crashes, freezes, and instability during intensive workloads, particularly in applications that require high CPU usage. At first, the exact causes of this problem were unclear, prompting Intel to investigate and release official statements.

==Intel's response==

===First statement===
While the root cause of the problem was still unknown, part of it seemed to be caused by CPUs operating beyond recommended voltage, frequency, and thermal limits. According to Intel, most of the reports involve unlocked motherboards with BIOS settings that disable safeguards like '''Current Excursion Protection (CEP)''' and '''Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB)'''. Some motherboard manufacturers were also modifying the '''CPU load line''' configuration settings by default, optimizing it in order to make the processors run cooler.

Official statement (April 27, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wallossek |first=Igor |date=27 Apr 2024 |title=Intel releases the “13th and 14th Generation K SKU Processor Instability Issue Update” |url=https://www.igorslab.de/en/intel-releases-the-13th-and-14th-generation-k-sku-processor-instability-issue-update/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=Igor's LAB}}</ref><blockquote>Intel® has observed that this issue may be related to out of specification operating conditions resulting in sustained high voltage and frequency during periods of elevated heat.

Analysis of affected processors shows some parts experience shifts in minimum operating voltages which may be related to operation outside of Intel® specified operating conditions.

*While the root cause has not yet been identified, Intel® has observed the majority of reports of this issue are from users with unlocked/overclock capable motherboards.
*Intel® has observed 600/700 Series chipset boards often set BIOS defaults to disable thermal and power delivery safeguards designed to limit processor exposure to sustained periods of high voltage and frequency, for example: – Disabling Current Excursion Protection (CEP) – Enabling the IccMax Unlimited bit – Disabling Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) and/or Enhanced Thermal Velocity Boost (eTVB) – Additional settings which may increase the risk of system instability: – Disabling C-states – Using Windows Ultimate Performance mode – Increasing PL1 and PL2 beyond Intel® recommended limits

Intel® requests system and motherboard manufacturers to provide end users with a default BIOS profile that matches Intel® recommended settings.

*Intel® strongly recommends customer’s default BIOS settings should ensure operation within Intel’s recommended settings.
*In addition, Intel® strongly recommends motherboard manufacturers to implement warnings for end users alerting them to any unlocked or overclocking feature usage.

Intel® is continuing to actively investigate this issue to determine the root cause and will provide additional updates as relevant information becomes available.

Intel® will be publishing a public statement regarding issue status and Intel® recommended BIOS setting recommendations targeted for May 2024.</blockquote>

===Second statement===
After conducting analysis on the returned chips, Intel has determined that instability issues were caused by elevated operating voltage, stemming from a microcode algorithm that generated incorrect voltage requests. Customer support was organized as follows: users who purchased systems from OEMs or system integrators were directed to contact their vendor, those with boxed processors were advised to reach out to Intel Support, and tray processor users were instructed to contact their place of purchase.

Official statement (July 22, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hannaford |first=Thomas |date=22 Jul 2024 |title=July 2024 Update on Instability Reports on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors |url=https://community.intel.com/t5/Processors/July-2024-Update-on-Instability-Reports-on-Intel-Core-13th-and/m-p/1617113 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Intel]] |ref=Hannaford-1}}</ref><blockquote>Based on extensive analysis of Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors returned to us due to instability issues, we have determined that elevated operating voltage is causing instability issues in some 13th/14th Gen desktop processors. Our analysis of returned processors confirms that the elevated operating voltage is stemming from a microcode algorithm resulting in incorrect voltage requests to the processor.

Intel is delivering a microcode patch which addresses the root cause of exposure to elevated voltages. We are continuing validation to ensure that scenarios of instability reported to Intel regarding its Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processors are addressed. Intel is currently targeting mid-August for patch release to partners following full validation.

Intel is committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process.

To help streamline the support process, Intel's guidance is as follows:

*'''For users who purchased 13th/14th Gen-powered desktop systems from OEM/System Integrator -''' please reach out to your system vendor's customer support team for further assistance.
*'''For users who purchased boxed 13th/14th Gen desktop processors -''' please reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance.
*'''For users who purchased tray 13th/14th Gen desktop processors''' - please reach out to your place of purchase for further assistance.
</blockquote>

====Statement update<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=Questions about manufacturing or Via Oxidation as reported by Tech outlets |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/intel/comments/1e9mf04/intel_core_13th14th_gen_desktop_processors/ |url-status=live |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>====
The PR department subsequently updated the statement on Reddit, integrating crucial details. A via oxidation manufacturing issue affected some early 13th Gen desktop processors, and it was resolved with improvements and screens in 2023. Analysis of instability reports seemed to indicate that a small percentage of cases were linked to this defect. It has also been confirmed that mobile 13th and 14th generation processors are not affected by any of these issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hannaford |first=Thomas |date=2024-07-22 |title=July 2024 Update on Instability Reports on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Processors |url=https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/July-2024-Update-on-Instability-Reports-on-Intel-Core-13th-and/m-p/1617113#M74792 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><blockquote>So that you don't have to hun down the answer -> '''Questions about manufacturing or Via Oxidation as reported by Tech outlets:'''

'''Short answer:''' We can confirm there was a via Oxidation manufacturing issue (addressed back in 2023) and that only a small number of instability reports can be connected to the manufacturing issue.

'''Long answer:''' ''We can confirm that the via Oxidation manufacturing issue affected some early Intel Core 13th Gen desktop processors. However, the issue was root caused and addressed with manufacturing improvements and screens in 2023. We have also looked at it from the instability reports on Intel Core 13th Gen desktop processors and the analysis to-date has determined that only a small number of instability reports can be connected to the manufacturing issue.''

''For the Instability issue, we are delivering a microcode patch which addresses exposure to elevated voltages which is a key element of the Instability issue. We are currently validating the microcode patch to ensure the instability issues for 13th/14th Gen are addressed.''

'''Question about Mobile 13th/14th Gen Stability issues'''

''So, from what we have seen on our analysis of the reported Intel Core 13th/14th mobile products we have seen that mobile products are not exposed to the same issue. The symptoms being reported on 13th/14th Gen mobile systems – including system hangs and crashes – are symptoms stemming from a broad range of potential software and hardware issues.''

''As always, if you are experiencing issues with their Intel-powered laptops we encourage them to reach out to the system manufacturer for further help.''

I'll be on the thread for the next couple of hours trying to address any questions you folks might have. Please keep in mind that I won't be able to answer every question but I'll do my best to address most of them.

Thanks

Lex H. - Intel

'''Edits:'''

*Added answers to Oxidation questions and questions about Mobile Processors
*Clarified short answer on Oxidation '''to''' that ''"there is a small number of instability reports connected to the manufacturing issue,"'' '''from''' "''but it is not related to the instability issue."''
*Link to Robeytech removed as this is not Intel's official guidance to test for the instability issue Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop processor instability issues. Intel is investigating options to easily identify affected processors on end user systems,
</blockquote>

===Third statement===
The issues mentioned above have led to some CPUs becoming irreversibly damaged, resulting in the '''Vmin shift'''. High operating temperatures cause the silicon in the processor to degrade, requiring a higher minimum voltage to operate stably. This, in turn, leads to even higher temperatures, creating a vicious cycle that ultimately results in the CPU failing. Intel has identified four key issues contributing to the instability. For the explanation of each issue, refer to the full statement below.

====Official statement (September 25, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hannaford |first=Thomas |date=25 Sep 2024 |title=Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Instability Root Cause Update |url=https://community.intel.com/t5/Blogs/Tech-Innovation/Client/Intel-Core-13th-and-14th-Gen-Desktop-Instability-Root-Cause/post/1633446#M40 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Intel]] |ref=Hannaford-2}}</ref>====
<blockquote>Following extensive investigation of the Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processor Vmin Shift Instability issue, Intel can now confirm the root cause diagnosis for the issue. This post will cover Intel’s understanding of the root cause, as well as additional mitigations and next steps for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop users.

'''Vmin Shift Instability Root Cause'''

Intel® has localized the Vmin Shift Instability issue to a clock tree circuit within the IA core which is particularly vulnerable to reliability aging under elevated voltage and temperature. Intel has observed these conditions can lead to a duty cycle shift of the clocks and observed system instability.

'''Intel® has identified four (4) operating scenarios that can lead to Vmin shift in affected processors:'''

#Motherboard power delivery settings exceeding Intel power guidance. '''a. Mitigation:''' Intel® Default Settings recommendations for Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.
#eTVB Microcode algorithm which was allowing Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen i9 desktop processors to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures. '''a. Mitigation:''' microcode 0x125 (June 2024) addresses eTVB algorithm issue.
#Microcode SVID algorithm requesting high voltages at a frequency and duration which can cause Vmin shift. '''a. Mitigation:''' microcode 0x129 (August 2024) addresses high voltages requested by the processor.
#Microcode and BIOS code requesting elevated core voltages which can cause Vmin shift especially during periods of idle and/or light activity. '''a. Mitigation:''' Intel® is releasing microcode 0x12B, which encompasses 0x125 and 0x129 microcode updates, and addresses elevated voltage requests by the processor during idle and/or light activity periods.

'''Regarding the 0x12B update, Intel® is working with its partners to roll out the relevant BIOS update to the public.'''

Intel’s internal testing comparing 0x12B microcode to 0x125 microcode – on Intel® Core™ i9-14900K with DDR5 5200MT/s memory1 - indicates performance impact is within run-to-run variation (ie. Cinebench* R23, Speedometer*, WebXPRT4*, Crossmark*). For gaming workloads on Intel® Core™ i9-14900K with DDR5 5600MT/s memory2, performance is also within run-to-run variation (ie. Shadow of the Tomb Raider*, Cyberpunk* 2077, Hitman 3: Dartmoor*, Total War: Warhammer III – Mirrors of Madness*). However, system performance is dependent on configuration and several other factors.

Intel® reaffirms that both Intel® Core™ 13th and 14th Gen mobile processors and future client product families – including the codename Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake families - are unaffected by the Vmin Shift Instability issue. We appreciate our customers’ patience throughout the investigation, as well as our partners’ support in the analysis and relevant mitigations.

'''Next Steps'''

'''For all Intel® Core™ 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users:''' the 0x12B microcode update must be loaded via BIOS update and has been distributed to system and motherboard manufacturers to incorporate into their BIOS. Intel is working with its partners to encourage timely validation and rollout of the BIOS update for systems currently in service. This process may take several weeks.

Users can check their system/motherboard manufacturer’s website and/or the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool to see the latest BIOS versions for their Intel® Core™ 13th and/or 14th Gen-powered desktop systems: <nowiki>https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/</nowiki>.

#Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K, Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (M40919), Memory: 64GB DDR5 at 5200MT/s, Storage: ADATA* SU360, Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics 770, Graphics Driver Version: 32.0.101.5768, Display Resolution: 1280x800, Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (version 26100.712).
#Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-14900K, Motherboard: Intel Raptor Lake Reference Board (RVP SR19), Memory: 32GB DDR5 at 5600MT/s, Storage: Samsung* 990 Pro 1TB, Graphics: MSI* RTX 4090 Suprim X, Graphics Driver Version: NVIDIA* v555.99, Resolution: 1920x1080, Operating System: Windows 11 (version 22631.4169)
</blockquote>

==Solutions==
Here’s a summary of what owners of affected 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs can do:

#'''Update BIOS''': Ensure the motherboard BIOS is updated to the latest version, incorporating Intel’s recommended default settings.
#'''Apply Microcode Updates''': Install the latest microcode updates (0x125, 0x129, and 0x12B) to address voltage and performance state issues.
#'''Monitor Temperatures''': Use adequate cooling solutions to prevent high operating temperatures, which can exacerbate instability.
#'''Avoid Overclocking''': Stick to Intel’s recommended power and voltage limits to avoid stressing the CPU.
#'''Contact Support''': If experiencing instability, reach out to customer support for assistance or potential replacements.

These steps can help mitigate instability and prolong the lifespan of the processor.

==Broader implications==
Over the past few years, Intel has faced numerous challenges, including competition from [[AMD]], delays in its manufacturing process nodes, and a decline in its market share in key segments.
[[File:Immagine 2025-01-28 101045.png|thumb|Intel's 10-K for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023]]

===Revenue decline===
Looking at the Form 10-K<ref>[https://www.intc.com/filings-reports/annual-reports/content/0000050863-24-000010/0000050863-24-000010.pdf Intel's 10-K]</ref> for years 2021, 2022, and 2023, a clear decline in net revenue, net income, and its percentage can be observed. The most alarming trend is the sharp drop in net income percentage, which plummeted from 25.1% in 2021 to just 3.1% in 2023.

Instability issues have further damaged the company image for reliability, potentially leading to higher costs and contributing to the already negative revenue trend.

===Increased competition and loss of market share===
According to reports from Mercury Research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shilov |first=Anton |date=8 Nov 2024 |title=AMD's desktop PC market share skyrockets amid Intel's Raptor Lake CPU crashing scandal — AMD makes biggest leap in recent history |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/amds-desktop-pc-market-share-skyrockets-amid-intels-raptor-lake-crashing-scandal-amd-makes-biggest-leap-in-recent-history |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> AMD's market share for desktop CPUs in Q3 2024 was 9.6% higher compared to Q3 of the prior year. This growth could lead to a shift in market dynamics, potentially putting the competition at risk. Competition is essential for consumers because it drives companies to deliver better performance, efficiency, and value.

Intel's loss in market share highlights the importance of competition for innovation. However, with only two major CPU manufacturers, Intel and AMD, a significant imbalance in market share could limit consumer choice and innovation in the long run. Ensuring healthy competition between both players remains crucial for a balanced and thriving market.

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]
[[Category:Intel]]

Dell

2026-02-19T19:30:19Z

Postpunkmamma: updated links to be descriptive of where the link directs

{{Cleanup}}
{{Incomplete|Issue 1=needs more neutral wording|Issue 2=needs response from Dell (if any)|Issue 3=info on what the consumer can do for a replacement or refund}}Dell, formally Dell Technologies, is a technology company focused on computers and computer infrastructure. They market themselves as "the world’s most essential technology infrastructure company for the data era". <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=How we got here |url=https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/dt/timeline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219041003/https://www.dell.com/en-us/lp/dt/timeline |archive-date=2026-02-19 |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=Dell Technologies}}</ref> The company was founded in 1984 as PC's Limited by Michael Dell, and has since grown into a multinational corporation making hundreds of billions of US dollars worth of revenue. <ref name=":1" /> Dell operates in both the consumer and business segments, selling personal and business computing hardware as well as various IT services, most recently Artificial Intelligence. Dell is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas.

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1984-05-03
|Industry=Personal Computers, Computer Software
|Logo=Dell logo.svg
|ParentCompany=Dell Technologies
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.dell.com/
|Description=Dell is a company that makes computing related products such as monitors, desktops, servers and laptops.
}}
==Consumer-impact summary==

==Incidents==
===Dell XPS 13 Plus quality control (April 28th, 2022)===
Dell chooses to release the product 'Dell XPS 13 Plus', Which was not only broken by it's functions, It also was manufactured poorly, As some laptops had their screens easily fall off<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Shilov |first=Anton |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Dell's XPS 13 Plus Has an Adhesive Problem: Screen May Fall Off |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/dells-xps-13-plus-has-an-adhesive-problem-screen-may-fall-off |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803050612/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/dells-xps-13-plus-has-an-adhesive-problem-screen-may-fall-off |archive-date=3 Aug 2025 |work=Dell's XPS 13 Plus Has an Adhesive Problem: Screen May Fall Off |pages=1}}</ref>, And reviews on amazon saying the product' parts do not work properly.

[https://www.windowscentral.com/dell-xps-13-plus-finally-now-available-starting-1249 The spectacular Dell XPS 13 Plus is finally now available, starting at $1,299]
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Dell/comments/wr8jxk/atrocious_experience_with_the_xps_13_plus_after_8/ Atrocious experience with the XPS 13 Plus after 8 hours...]

[https://www.reddit.com/r/DellXPS/comments/1l39z82/my_review_of_the_dell_xps_13_plus_9320/ My review of the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320]

[https://www.amazon.com/Dell-9320-Touchscreen-Notebook-Board/dp/B0BBGTT1R3#averageCustomerReviewsAnchor Amaxon reviews of the Dell XPS 13 plus 9320]

The Dell XPS 13 Plus ended up being so bad in all of it's different ways, Not just being uneasy to use, As in the literal screen falling off easily<ref name=":0" />, And complaints about the product just not working as it should be. Looking at reviews, They say things are just glitching, Breaking, and all definitions that fit the idea of "Not working well"

======

==Products==
(please add some)

==See also==
[https://youtu.be/YvGS-efW2ZU Dell Thought They Were Apple...Got a Harsh Reality Check]

[https://pastebin.com/GZs7A9VH YouTube creator LogicallyAnswered PasteBin]


==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AirPods

2026-02-19T18:58:31Z

Postpunkmamma: /* User Freedom */

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{ProductLineCargo
| ReleaseYear = 2016-12-13
| Website = https://apple.com/airpods
| Logo = AirPods logo.svg
|ArticleType=ProductLine|Category=Wireless earbuds|Company=Apple|InProduction=Yes}}

'''AirPods''' are wireless earbuds designed by [[Apple]]. They first debuted on September 07, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7, and were released on December 13, 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Sep 2016 |title=Apple reinvents the wireless headphone with AirPods |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044455/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
AirPods are designed in a way that makes them unrepairable, leading to customers having to buy a new pair after a few years of use. Apple can replace them, but won't repair them or help you do it yourself. According to an expert from iFixit:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Dalvin |date=20 Apr 2023 |title=Apple Doesn’t Repair AirPods. Here’s Why. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Youtube |publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><blockquote>If you want to take this apart, non-destructively, to replace the batteries, as far as I know, that's impossible.</blockquote>The rechargeable batteries in AirPods can see fast-tracked degradation at a certain number of battery cycles,<ref name=":1" /> with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.{{Citation needed}}

Up until September 22, 2023, Apple used their proprietary Lightning connector on the AirPods' charging case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borresen |first=Jennifer |date=22 Sep 2023 |title=iPhone 15 pro uses USB-C charger: An exploration of how Apple got here |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case has a lower price with AppleCare+ than without. Apple offers battery servicing for free with AppleCare+ and for a fee without.{{Citation needed}}

===User Freedom===
The features that AirPods are marketed with restrict interoperability, because the customer can only get them within the Apple ecosystem. When used with non-Apple products the functionality is on par with a basic wireless headphone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Christian |date=2025-03-26 |title=Don't use AirPods with Android |url=https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407044828/https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=SOUNDGUYS}}</ref> However there have been projects attempting to regain marketed features of AirPods with non-apple products, such as LibrePods.<ref>https://github.com/cysgodi/librepods</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hardwick |first=Tim |date=2025-11-21 |title=This Free App Unlocks AirPods Features on Android Devices |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/PLBK0 |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=MacRumors}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
{{Placeholder box|Replace the placeholder text in the sections below with the incidents that affect this product line and a short summary. Also replace the link so it point to the right company article.}}

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}} {{Placeholder box|Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).}}

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

Incidents affecting all of the company's products can be found in the company article: [[Company article]]

==Products==

*AirPods (1st generation) (December 13, 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2025 |title=Every Apple AirPods Generation: A Full History of Release Dates - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044220/https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-date=2026-01-04 |website=IGN}}</ref>)
*AirPods (2nd generation) (March 20, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro (1st generation) (October 30, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Max (December 15, 2020<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods (3rd generation) (October 26, 2021<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro 2 (previously 2nd generation) (September 23, 2022<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods 4/ANC (September 20, 2024<ref name=":0" />)
==See also==
*[[Apple]]
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Airpods]]
[[Category:Apple]]

AirAsia

2026-02-19T18:47:35Z

Postpunkmamma: /* Forced enrollment in marketing spam */

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=1993
|Industry=Airline
|Logo=AirAsia logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://airasia.com/
}}
{{Cleanup}}
'''{{wplink|AirAsia}}''' is a budget airline based in Malaysia. In 2007, The New York Times described AirAsia as a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kurlantzick |first=Joshua |title=Does Low Cost Mean High Risk? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/travel/23prac.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/fA8yp |archive-date=20 Mar 2024 |access-date=2025-08-16 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> As of November 2025, they serve Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

AirAsia secretly and forcefully subscribes any user who creates or links an account with them to 23 different types of {{Wplink|Spamming|spam}} ("AirAsia communications").

#Users are neither made aware of this fact nor presented with the option to opt out.{{Citation needed}}
#Normally companies bury opt-in text within their [[terms and conditions]], but even the AirAsia privacy terms page is vague about this.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}
#Unsubscribing from AirAsia's spam is an 8-step process where users have to log into their account.

===Forced enrollment in marketing spam===
[[File:Airasia signup page 1.png|thumb|AirAsia sign up dialog that pops up after you select a flight to book. Multiple sign up/easy sign in options are pushed with large, colored icons while the no sign up option is presented as "Continue as guest" in small plain text at the bottom.]]
[[File:Airasia signup page.png|thumb|AirAsia sign up page with no notification to users that they will be automatically opted in to receiving "informational" and marketing emails from 23 different AirAsia sources with no ability for users to opt out directly at sign up.]]
[[File:Airasia spam unsubscribe step 2.PNG.png|thumb|AirAsia Notification Preferences page showing 23 different sources of promotional emails that every user is automatically opted into upon creation of an AirAsia account.]]
[[File:Airasia_spam_unsubscribe_step_1.png|thumb|Clicking on an unsubscribe link in an email brings users to this page. AirAsia forces users to log in before they can unsubscribe.]]
AirAsia secretly and automatically forces users to enroll into 23 different types of promotional and marketing emails (referred to as "communications") when they create or link an account.

#When booking a flight with AirAsia, a popup dialog appears that pushes users to sign in, or create or link an account. The sign-up and and sign-in options are pushed with large font sizes and prominent, colored icons.
#The option to book a flight is presented as a small, plain-text link "Continue as guest" at the bottom of the popup dialog. (SEE IMAGE 1)
#During sign-up or log-in, users consent to the collection and use of Personal Information by Air Asia unless and until users inform Air Asia of the contrary. <ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 2023 |title=AirAsia's Privacy Statement Your Consent |url=https://www.airasia.com/aa/about-us/en/gb/privacy-statement.html#consent |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=AirAsia's Privacy Statement}}</ref>
#The privacy statement states that Personal Information will be shared within the AirAsia Group of Companies and Authorized Third Parties for promotions, offers, products and services which may or may not belong to AirAsia; the exact volume of communications is not specified.

"Information collection" section:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=AirAsia's Privacy Statement |url=https://www.airasia.com/aa/about-us/en/gb/privacy-statement.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/jfXwj |archive-date=2025-01-30}}</ref>
<blockquote>The information may be used to provide you with location-based services such as search results and marketing content.</blockquote>
"Use of information collected" section:<ref name=":0" />
<blockquote>AirAsia and AirAsia Group of Companies who have access to this Personal Information with our permission and who need to know or have access to this Personal Information in order to: perform the service requested by you (including to make, administer, and manage reservations or handle payments, "single sign-on," and customer service); analyze how you use this Website and other websites belonging to AirAsia or AirAsia Group of Companies, improve and provide new and personalized offers, products and services, and marketing, for purposes of research, analytics, to develop and improve any existing and future products or services offered by us, to explore further potential initiatives, to optimise research, improve our forecasting abilities, and for other business purposes of AirAsia or AirAsia Group of Companies; detect, prevent, and investigate fraudulent transactions and/or activities, other illegal activities, and data breaches; internal (audit/compliance) investigations; or as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.</blockquote>
"Sharing of Information Collected" section:<ref name=":0" />
<blockquote>We may share your Personal Information to: data analytics, marketing agency, third party suppliers of products and services, business partners or service providers, parties which have business or contractual dealings with AirAsia and the AirAsia Group of Companies, and other third party who is able to demonstrate that you have explicitly consented to the disclosure of your Personal Information by us to such third party.</blockquote>The same Privacy Statement does provide steps to "Manage your marketing communications,"<ref name=":0" /> which is a 3-step process assuming the user does this after creating their account and/or booking their flight. The steps highlighted on that page are:
#Click on Account (your name with the user icon in the upper right side of the page)
#Click on My Account
#Click on Notifications Preferences
Users may not expect a high volume of emails from AirAsia, and might not review their account to manage their marketing preferences until after they begin receiving emails. At this time users will engage in the unsubscribe process.

===Multi-step friction to unsubscribe from AirAsia marketing spam===
The unsubscribe process is an 8-step process that takes eight clicks and user login, instead of the three suggested by AirAsia's Privacy Statement page:
#User clicks on unsubscribe button at bottom of AirAsia promotional email.
#Instead of directly unsubscribing the user or bringing them to an unsubscribe confirmation page, users are instead linked to their account "Notification Preferences" page where they have to log in.
#After entering their log-in details, users have to also input a [[one-time password]] (OTP). This step takes at least five additional clicks, where the user has to:
##Click on their email tab or client (assuming they have it opened)
##Click on the AirAsia OTP email (if they do not receive it immediately, refreshing may incur additional clicks)
##Copy or remember the OTP, and click back to the AirAsia login tab
##Paste the OTP into the form
##Click continue
#User is now on their Notification Preferences page where they get to see the 23 different types of AirAsia spam they never knew they opted into. Assuming they never wanted and don't want to continue receiving any of these spam emails, they would click on "Pause all emails".
#User also has to click on "Pause all communications" if they wanted to stop spam from coming in through push notifications and WhatsApp.
#*Another [[dark pattern]] here from AirAsia is "Pause all communications," which implies the user would stop receiving any communications whatsoever. Users would typically want their booking emails, travel itinerary, etc., so they would not think of selecting this option.
#*The fine print above this button says, "Your account activities, transactional updates, payment updates, booking and delivery information are compulsory," meaning such emails will be delivered in any case and "communications" in "Pause all communications" really refers to promotional and marketing spam.

==Products==
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==See also==
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==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:AirAsia]]