Condensation in AirPods Max after long usage

[springconvert]

I spoke with AppleCare today, and the reps didn’t have any official information on this potential issue, unsurprisingly. One advisor escalated it to engineering and I’m supposed to call back in 1-2 days to see what they say.

I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to return them or not, but am leaning towards doing so (with hopes of reordering down the road if Apple responds that it’s not an issue or maybe a second gen version). I really do love everything else about them, I even got used to the weight pretty quickly. I just want to use them in my apartment while working at my desk or listening to music on the couch without having to worry that the cups will start leaking, lol

 

[Robbosan]

spoke with AppleCare today, and the reps didn’t have any official information on this potential issue, unsurprisingly. One advisor escalated it to engineering and I’m supposed to call back in 1-2 days to see what they say.

Doesn't matter what you ring about you are always the first person lol.

 

[Korican100]

leave it to fragile apple owners to think they've stumbled on a new issue.

Everyone complaining is telling on themselves that they never owned a pair of closed back over the ear headphones.

You sweat. moisture forms. It happens. Headphone makers have years of understanding this ever since they made sealed leather cups from the 70s.

The only REASON you get to see it so clearly, is because apple ALLOWS you to take the ear cup right off easily with magnets. Other headphones don't even let you access that part to see it.

 

[kirk.vino]

I’ve finally noticed it today. Under some bright light I could see the moisture in both cups after about 2 hours. I would echo what others are saying here: most of these headphones would have it to various degrees. We just can’t see inside of those other cans unlike the APM. I’m not gonna lose my sleep over it. I got an Apple Care with these and if anything, I’ll be able to get them replaced, but I doubt it will come to that. Back in the day I had a very old pair of Bose wired noise canceling headphones. I even ran in those and worked out! They were drowning in my sweat LOL
They never had any issues sound wise. The only problem I had with them is that my sweat ruined the cushions eventually. I bet they had a ton of moisture inside and that didn’t stop them from working.
It would be crazy to think that Apple didn’t test them with this in mind.

 

[suisse]

I guess this topic is a bit esoteric ;-)

Perfectly mentioned: on other headphones, you can't remove the cups so easy so you won't notice.

 

[JasonHB]

 

[Pmperry]

i havent received mine but ill def be getting apple care if this is the case

AppleCare only covers 6 months on these, I find that kind of odd.

 

[JasonHB]

AppleCare only covers 6 months on these, I find that kind of odd.

2 years according to their website in the UK

Jason

 

[adrianlondon]

What worked for me was using my Dremel to drill a small hole in the base of the metal ear cup to provide a channel for the condensation to escape. ?

If you drill loads more holes you'll also solve the weight problem.

 

[LeeW]

on other headphones, you can't remove the cups so easy so you won't notice.

Course you can, some as easy as the Airpods Max, some require a tool. Paying for expensive headphones you generally look after them better, I know I do and many others I know are the same in terms of cleaning.

Never seen anything like this with my Sony or Bose headphones. Both are noted as not being water or sweatproof, in fact, Apple even says this

"AirPods Max and Smart Case aren’t waterproof or water-resistant so be careful not to get moisture in any openings. If your AirPods come in contact with liquid, including sweat from a workout, wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth."

If they are saying this and yet moisture can build up sitting doing nothing that is a concern, to be honest. From some of the reports I have seen which are probably mentioned in this thread, the amount of moisture seems significant enough to end up inside and cause issues. Some are suggesting it is causing issues with ear detection, can't say if that is true.

Maybe another good reason others have for sticking with plastic instead of aluminium.

 

[Pmperry]

2 years according to their website in the UK

Jason

Oh yeah, Europe has a mandatory 2 years I believe... But when I tried to get it for them,in the USA it showed 6 months.

 

[JasonHB]

Oh yeah, Europe has a mandatory 2 years I believe... But when I tried to get it for them,in the USA it showed 6 months.

Not according to their US website, still says 2 years

AppleCare Products - Headphones

Learn how to set up and use your headphones. Call or chat with Apple experts for questions on using your AirPods or Beats product.

www.apple.com

Jason

 

[Robbosan]

Well explained, glad i canceled my order.

 

[springconvert]

Oh yeah, Europe has a mandatory 2 years I believe... But when I tried to get it for them,in the USA it showed 6 months.

I think you may be confusing the optional 6 month payment plan for the AppleCare+ coverage. From the AirPods Max product page under “Warranty and AppleCare”:

 

[LeeW]

Legally in the UK you have 6 years of protection against defective/faulty goods, proving it is something else entirely

 

[Pmperry]

Not according to their US website, still says 2 years

AppleCare Products - Headphones

Learn how to set up and use your headphones. Call or chat with Apple experts for questions on using your AirPods or Beats product.

www.apple.com

Jason

Hmm, weird, I wonder why Adorama only had 6 months showing. Now I‘ll have to look into that.

Thanks! I thought 6 months was a bizarre time frame.

 

[kirk.vino]

Course you can, some as easy as the Airpods Max, some require a tool.

What tool? Screwdriver? LOL
No, you can’t see inside of the cups on Sonys or Boses unless you disassemble the cans.
So it’s not as easy, not even close.

 

[Pmperry]

Course you can, some as easy as the Airpods Max, some require a tool. Paying for expensive headphones you generally look after them better, I know I do and many others I know are the same in terms of cleaning.

Never seen anything like this with my Sony or Bose headphones. Both are noted as not being water or sweatproof, in fact, Apple even says this

"AirPods Max and Smart Case aren’t waterproof or water-resistant so be careful not to get moisture in any openings. If your AirPods come in contact with liquid, including sweat from a workout, wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth."

If they are saying this and yet moisture can build up sitting doing nothing that is a concern, to be honest. From some of the reports I have seen which are probably mentioned in this thread, the amount of moisture seems significant enough to end up inside and cause issues. Some are suggesting it is causing issues with ear detection, can't say if that is true.

Maybe another good reason others have for sticking with plastic instead of aluminium.

Yeah but what I don’t understand, there appears to be a plastic membrane covering the back side of the holes on mine, so I’m not sure they’re really going to have an issue with this. And maybe it isn’t plastic, but it looks like it to the naked eye.

 

[kirk.vino]

Yeah but what I don’t understand, there appears to be a plastic membrane covering the back side of the holes on mine, so I’m not sure they’re really going to have an issue with this.

I would just stop listening to people who didn’t even see these headphones in person. Based on their reply, other headphones can be seen into their cups as easily as the APM, which makes me wonder if they even know how these magnetic cushions work.

 

[LeeW]

No, you can’t see inside of the cups on Sonys or Boses unless you disassemble the cans.
So it’s not as easy, not even close.

I must be special then, can detach, clean and re-assemble both in a couple of minutes.

 

[LeeW]

Yeah but what I don’t understand, there appears to be a plastic membrane covering the back side of the holes on mine, so I’m not sure they’re really going to have an issue with this. And maybe it isn’t plastic, but it looks like it to the naked eye.

Yup, not sure. It sounds like (non-expert opinion) that the aluminium is attracting the moisture. I guess what helps is how easy it is to wipe if it is an issue. I guess time will tell how much of an issue this is if at all.

 

[Coltaine]

That is interesting. When I read about it, I started to check...so far no visible condensation. The longest I've worn them at a time was three hours. During that time nothing too strenuous. I am looking forward to Apple's official statement on the matter.

 

[kirk.vino]

I must be special then, can detach, clean and re-assemble both in a couple of minutes.

Must be, your Sonys and Boses must be some special limited editions too: with secret magnetic cushions. Or you just sit there disassembling and re-assembling them non-stop. Clearly, you can’t do it as fast as on the APM since it can be done in literally a second, hence people notice the moisture, as it gets removed like a simple cover in the middle of a session.

 

[LeeW]

so far no visible condensation

The environment is going to be a big factor no doubt, some may never experience it, or notice it at least.

 

[NT1440]

I haven’t read the entire thread, but has anyone shown any evidence of this actually causing problems?