After I wear my Airpods Max for about half an hour, there is liquid accumulation on the inside of the headphones, especially on the round speakers themselves. These are expensive headphones and I don't want them to go to waste because of a design flaw. Will this damage my headphones and if it does, will Apple fix the problem they created?
Had and am still having this issue as well... in the Boston winter with very dry inside air. After 3 weeks of moisture build up, there was a crackling sound in Transparency mode or in ANC mode (not in OFF mode). I contacted Apple support via online chat (no wait), and after many check this-and-that steps, they advised me to get a replacement set. They indicated it would be 3 weeks for mail delivery or I could try a local Apple store to see if they had any in stock. I was able to get a Genius Bar appointment for the same afternoon (security-controlled during COVID, strict social distancing), and I received a replacement set that same day.
By this time, with this new replacement pair, I was aware of the condensation issue — and that if left unchecked, it could lead to a deterioration in audio or ANC quality. Armed with that knowledge, I purchased a full-size protective case with a zipper that fully encloses the AirPod Max. Into this new protective case I placed several silicon gel packages, and each night I charge my AirPod Max in this case. Additionally, after a few hours of wear, I’ve gotten in the habit of taking off the ear cushions to check for moisture, and I wipe with a paper towel if/when I find anything. (So far, I’ve found moisture/condensation on the metal edge under the ear cushions every day.) Now, a month later, they’re still going just fine with this (somewhat tedious) daily care.
Hoping someone will develop an improved ear cushion that has some moisture-absorbing properties. I’ve read a rumor that Apple is considering selling a “Sports” version of the ear cushions that could be more absorbent, but I can find no authoritative source on this.
Finally, I thought that perhaps a soft silicone protective cover on the metal exterior ear cups might help equalize the temperature of the metal/ear barrier, but they had no effect on the condensation. Rather, even a tiny bit of the protective cover over one of the microphones messed up with the ANC and the Transparency Mode. Bye-bye, silicone covers!
The Transparency mode is outstanding, and when I switch to my XM4s while the AirPod Max is drying out, I get sad when the speak-to-chat only has 60% of the transparency. Still, both excellent headphones.
Also if i may, ears get hot they also have a hole in them if i’m not mistaken. In addition the human body contains A LOT of h20 i don't think one has to physically perspire under the arms etc for an ear and normal physiology to “give off” heat through the ear canal and get trapped in the headphone
I’ve experienced the same issue with my first set, but I didn’t use them for exercise and the condensation also ruined them. My new ones are fine and received them on February 22. I’ve only saw a droplet once or twice and they are fine. I just wanted to tell that what happened to my first AirPods Max had nothing to do with exercise. In fact I was reading in bed when I first noticed a lot of condensation inside the earcups.
It doesn’t matter if you exercise with them or not I had condensation in mine just sitting down for an hour or so it is definitely a design issue. After months due to the pandemic and UPS just not collecting them Apple confirmed then confirmed they have had multiple reports of the issue but just not talking about it.
This is a quote from Forbes back in January 2021: "Given the potential for this condensation problem to impact the longevity of the headphones and cause additional expense for a product which is already ultra-premium, the smart move would be to wait and see how this plays out."
Just like I said: the sound quality is outstanding. But, my advice on those: only buy them if you are willing to commit to conduct a periodic (daily or weekly) maintenance on this device. I mean, at the end of the day: it is just (expensive) headphones - it does not worth the hassle.
Presumable, the 2nd generation should be better (if there is any...). Skip that one.
jehdian Said:
"I live in Los Angeles and it's very dry here. Humidity isn't what's causing the problem in my case."
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Thank you for the information.
A Few Thoughts:
If such is the case, maybe there is too much dust in it. So, a few thoughts...
A. Visit Apple Support links:
B. Verify the Balance:
C. Also, Clear Out Earwax:
Oh that sucks I have large eats but fit me fine actually your next option would be the Bose 700 which if you look on Amazon are on sale (UK) maybe try those. I tried the AirPods Max again whilst putting them in the box I still can’t decide if they are better than the XM4 as I can adjust settings on the XM4’s.
Okay now you went off the rails ... sorry
Color of a metal in a controlled environment doesn’t change the condensation properties of the metal or the heat dissipation. We are not talking about a white hood of a car vs a black hood in the sun. Color has nothing to do with this alleged phenomenon.
Do you actually own a pair of these and have worn them for a long constant period of time and removed the earcups? If not, you’re just speculating. The rest of us have collected evidence from the field
Yes, i own the airpod max i live in florida, a high humidity area. I have never seen water, condensation, sweat, vapor, or the like in my ear cups or under them. It is a user issue in my opinion. What else can i tell you.
Sorry I thought I replied too a comment. I was offering an alternative. I agree AirPods max are the best I’ve owned. Xm3 been through 3 sets, I liked them more than the xm4 which are too clever for me and I have had multiple issues with xm4’s. The Bose 700 I have had for a very long time with no issues and they have been very well worn. Bose Quiet comfort 2 lasted 1 week and were returned.
wow.... lol three times?? Move on dude! Ive heard of being self abusive etc but really... you are unhappy with a product not once, not twice and not THREE times!! Going for your fourth or are you just going to move on and shut up, cause you sound really dumb about now. Just saying ... wow
Also experiencing the same issue with APM's bought a week ago. This is my second pair after the first pair were returned in under 2 hours of purchase for a different reason (bluetooth connection kept dropping within 10 - 15 seconds of use).
I also own Sennheiser Momentum 2's (wireless Over ear) and have owned these for around 4 to 5 years. The Sennheisers do not seem to 'heat up' under the ear pads as much though to be fair it would be difficult to tell whether condensation has occurred due as the ear pads are not as easy to remove and the headphone backs are plastic.
I can say though having used the Sennheisers outdoors on hot days (25c +) there has been a moisture build up on the surface of the ear pads though to date this has not created any noticeable issues.
Hope that we don't have permanent long term issues with the APM's as they are a very significant outlay.
I suppose some people really enjoy them and are wanting to get a sense of whether the issue is widespread enough that an actual fix is likely. As for me, I used points and cannot return them. Otherwise I totally would and would wait for the next version.
Not meaning to sound like snide, but I’m curious why you’re roaming the thread if it’s a no-brainer?
That's the problem, the problem is not widespread enough at the minutes. Some class actions are being prepared/explored in the US on that matter - I made a comment about it and Apple removed it - lol.
Yet if you google it, you will find that in the US this is being explored - although based in the UK, I have been actually contacted.
Ended up returning mine. Not happy to pay $899 AUD for headphones that I need to purchase additional insurance (apple care) for or have notes on a report I’ve made in case they get destroyed by ‘water’ when Apple so far have not acknowledged the problem.
Will wait for something else I think.
Condensation in the Airpods Max
