I bought the ear pods a year ago. Now the volume control does not work. Can I just bring them to Apple Zürich to get new ones? They don't have a serial number so I can't do it online. Does one need an appointment to go to this Zurich store?
Yes, you need an appointment that is approved by communal authorities both where you live and from where the Apple store is located.
Furthermore, when you visit the store at the designated date and time you have to wear a large sandwich board stating you are a complete muppet in 3 official languages of Switzerland and English.
Please stop giving false information.
Mandarin, Hindi, and Arabic is required as well in order to warn tourists of the danger.