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.
I am having the same issue as are many others. The condensation is on the speakers/plastic inside the ear cup. Quite concerning.
I live in Los Angeles and it's very dry here. Humidity isn't what's causing the problem in my case.
Returned mine as well and picked up the Xm4 like you. Unfortunately the XM4s don't fit my ears properly and will be returned as well. Terrible luck I guess.
I put on the headphones and after half an hour my whole ear is water. AirPods Max
You are incorrect. It is not perspiration. It is condensation , a product of the metal earcups
And they most certainly condensate. There is much proof of this. Do some research
So, this humid environment is absent in any other over ear headphone?
where are these people listening? In their living room? South florida in their yard? Niagra falls? A sauna? The gym?
Bose 700 are far superior too Sony xm4s
I disagree the comparisons of music fidelity of your aforementioned phones The apple max is miles ahead of those... not even close i’ve had all three, my reference speakers are Nautilus ...
Sound is very personal however if they are so good why are you in this feed? May be good sound but if they have design flaws they are technically useless.
Most reviews the XM4’s are better than the Bose 700 granted sound is subjective but they haven’t been rated the best headphones for 2 years if they were not better.
I just use my AirPods max while I’m using my vitamix, even only after 15 mins of usage there is lots of moisture in the ear buds. I can’t believe Apple isn’t addressing this issue!
I listen at home in Florida 2 hours at times
Zero condensation for me
it is most likely caused by the user and propensity to release heat through their ears
Are you experiencing this in cool conditions, indoors with air-conditioning? I've had mine for a few days and I've yet to see any condensation in the ear cups, even after wearing for over an hour.
Condensation in the Airpods Max
