Apple doesn't allow express replacement for mismatched AirPods Pro USB-C unless AppleCare is purchased.

While recently at an Apple Store I believe I somehow had my AirPods Pro right earbud become mismatched with someone else's, and it will not show on "find my" anymore, nor will the features work. So I called customer support as they are under warranty until January 2026, so the rep said to send them back as a repair but that they can't repair them because they are paired at the factory when built.

She admitted they would replace them, but that I couldn't use Express replacement unless I had AppleCare, even in the warranty period.

Since there is no way for Apple to "lose" with express replacement if they are going to replace them anyway why not offer it?

David