Apple’s upcoming AirPods 3 are reportedly getting a lot more expensive, but now warnings have been issued for the most expensive AirPods of them all.
Apple’s new AirPods Max has a potentially serious problem
Apple
Across Twitter, Reddit (1,2,3,4) and Apple site forums, owners of Apple’s $ 550 AirPods Max report problems with condensation forming in their earcups after just a few hours of use. Additionally, it can be caused by an unrecoverable design flaw.
So, um … my AirPods Max form condensation after long use. They have never been used in a damp environment. The water penetrates the drivers and has caused hearing detection problems. I mainly carried them indoors at a desk, nothing crazy. Super concerning problem ”- source
Condensation forms in Apple’s AirPods Max
Donald Filimon
“Had exactly the same problem, with a light walk (40 minutes) and then again while watching a movie (1h30). Decided to bring them back after seeing the water getting into the driver too and the ring turning red … too worrisome for me ”- source
‘I have the exact same problem. I am in Bradenton, Florida, work in a dr office and had my AirPods Max on for 2.5 hours. I happened to remove the earmuffs while cleaning and noticed all this condensation inside and also the driver. And it’s weird because I don’t move at all. I was really shocked. ” – source
“Why am I seeing condensation in my ear cups and also on my drivers ????” – source
“So I have had my AirPods Max for almost a week and I have noticed that there is a fair amount of condensation in the ear cup after long use. It is most noticeable when you detach the magnetic ear pads from the ear cup. ”
It’s also getting worse. Not only has Apple (controversially) decided not to make the AirPods Max water resistant, it appears that the company’s decision to make the aluminum earcups is the root of the problem. Aluminum stands out, but it’s a poor insulator which – as users have noted – is likely the condensation problem caused by heat build-up from wearing the (also heavy) AirPods Max over time. If this owner’s theory is correct, there is no easy way to fix it. That may also explain why almost all rivals use plastic.
AirPods Max condensation can be caused by Apple’s use of aluminum ear cups
David Filimon
Additionally, while Apple has not responded publicly to the matter (I filed a press request), the response from the company’s tech support suggests that this will put you in the pocket for now:
“I talked to Apple about the coverage and they also said it’s a $ 29 repair on top of the $ 59 AppleCare purchase. That’s $ 680 including tax where I stand, for headphones and coverage. She told me to take them off after every use. And I’m like – I can get the moisture out of the inner part of the sleeves, but not in the driver’s area at all. And that worries me. Maybe just give it back and wait [the] second generation. ” – source
Given the potential of this condensation problem to affect the life of the headphones and cause additional costs for an already ultra-premium product, it would be smart to wait and see how this plays out. Since AirPods Max is currently out of print until March, that shouldn’t be a problem, but it does show the danger of rushing to buy a first-generation product.
In the meantime, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 are coming to the market soon, while Apple also seems to have something even better in the pipeline.
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