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Condensation in the Airpods Max

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?

Posted on Jan 4, 2021 11:40 AM

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Posted on Apr 27, 2021 5:05 PM

I've been noticing the condensation on my AirPods max as well. After reading the comments here I decided to call support and let them know about it just to make sure I'm not on the hook for any related water damage in the future. Initially the advisor said that this is not a known issue and that they would need to inspect the product. I mentioned that there are no Apple stores in my city and that shipping the product in would take time (given COVID). Furthermore I didn't imagine that the technicians at the repair centre would spend an hour listening to music to try and recreate the issue.


About ten minutes into my call the advisor said that a senior advisor wanted to come on the call. He indicated that Apple is investigating reports of condensation and asked if I could answer a bunch of questions including the nature of the problem, when /how it occurred, whether I'd tried any other over-ear headphones and if so whether they had any condensation. They're clearly looking into this, so I thought you would all like to know. Today I got another call from a senior advisor who wanted to document a few more things. He speculated a few times that a certain team of engineers was looking into the problem people were experiencing and that it sounds like this is something that may result in a second release/recall of older models. He mentioned he was speculating, but did suggest that a few times. It makes sense. In the meantime he said to monitor the "service programs" webpage https://support.apple.com/service-programs. He also said that it was good that I called in despite not experiencing any issues yet as it allows them to document the issue, potentially limiting headaches later should I need service due to water damage. So for now.. he said to just keep using them and if they crap out then they'll address it.


Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps some of you out there.

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Question marked as Best reply

Apr 27, 2021 5:05 PM in response to jehdian

I've been noticing the condensation on my AirPods max as well. After reading the comments here I decided to call support and let them know about it just to make sure I'm not on the hook for any related water damage in the future. Initially the advisor said that this is not a known issue and that they would need to inspect the product. I mentioned that there are no Apple stores in my city and that shipping the product in would take time (given COVID). Furthermore I didn't imagine that the technicians at the repair centre would spend an hour listening to music to try and recreate the issue.


About ten minutes into my call the advisor said that a senior advisor wanted to come on the call. He indicated that Apple is investigating reports of condensation and asked if I could answer a bunch of questions including the nature of the problem, when /how it occurred, whether I'd tried any other over-ear headphones and if so whether they had any condensation. They're clearly looking into this, so I thought you would all like to know. Today I got another call from a senior advisor who wanted to document a few more things. He speculated a few times that a certain team of engineers was looking into the problem people were experiencing and that it sounds like this is something that may result in a second release/recall of older models. He mentioned he was speculating, but did suggest that a few times. It makes sense. In the meantime he said to monitor the "service programs" webpage https://support.apple.com/service-programs. He also said that it was good that I called in despite not experiencing any issues yet as it allows them to document the issue, potentially limiting headaches later should I need service due to water damage. So for now.. he said to just keep using them and if they crap out then they'll address it.


Sorry for the long post. Hope this helps some of you out there.

Apr 26, 2021 6:11 AM in response to freediverx01

Mate, this is being experienced in a very standard/basic/normal conditions.


Short story: I bought mine back in December - they eventually stopped working in March for the very same reason - but I did not know back then.

Brought them back to Apple to be repaired - guess what?

Because, liquid has been found in the earcups it actually voided the Apple 1 year warranty - so, basically I have now to pay for the repair which is in the region of £240.00...!!! in top of the £549.00 for 3 months of use.

If you it would have been a much more confidential company selling this device, I might have thought "this is a scam".

I mean, how stupidly ridiculous? You can pretty much get a MacBook at this point.



I have got legal advice about what my possibilities are - this is how far I got to.


My sincere advice for anyone interest in the AirPods Max:


  1. the quality of sound is absolutely outstanding: there is no question about that point. Yet, There is a flaw with that product - and I am 100% sure that they are aware of it.
  2. AirPods Max Condensation is a real thing - dont buy that product unless you are willing to conduct some ridiculous maintenance. Besides there is also a chance for your warranty to be voided.
  3. Wait for another version
  4. Dont buy them

Apr 7, 2021 10:19 AM in response to theDonut

TheDonut Said:

"Condensation in the Airpods Max: For me, it’s my living room or home office in the somewhat dry New England winter and spring. I do a twice-a-day wipe of condensation, and I put them in a case with silicon gel packs at night. I’m typically wearing them 12+ hours/day for home video conferencing use, and I’ve already had to return one set that failed."

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To the OP and All:

Providing Apple With your Feedback:

Do your Part: So, to get the word out to Apple on what seems to be a flaw, by providing them with feedback. They won't get back to you directly on this, but the more they hear of it, the more they will know what problems exist and how to go about fixing them. So, do you part and provide feedback on it. Be certain that you are positive with the feedback (elsewise, it'll likely be filtered out).

  1. Go Here: Feedback - AirPods - Apple
  2. Select: "Performance" for the "Feedback Type"
  3. Proceed from there as necessary

Jan 4, 2021 11:52 AM in response to jehdian

jehdian Said:

“Condensation in the Airpods Max: [...]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?”

———-


Contact Apple Supoort:

I’ve never had any issues due to condensation. But, if a design flaw, then let Apple know about it, requesting a return and giving them feedback.


I. Getting these Returned:

These are User-to-User forums. We are just everyday users like yourself. Apple rarely reads these forums on their own time. So, you should contact them, asking what your options are. No one here has any call in returns:

Contacting Apple Support:

Why the Wait:

Phone calls are taking a bit to go through at the moment, due do lots of calls. With the Coronavirus Pandemic, many are at home at the moment, with much time on their hands to contact Apple. So, just stay on the line, and you will get through :)


II. Providing Apple With your Feedback:

Do your Part: So, to get the word out to Apple on what seems to be a flaw, by providing them with feedback. They won't get back to you directly on this, but the more they hear of it, the more they will know what problems exist and how to go about fixing them. So, do you part and provide feedback on it. Be certain that you are positive with the feedback (elsewise, it'll likely be filtered out).

  1. Go Here: Feedback - AirPods - Apple
  2. Select: "Performance" for the "Feedback Type"
  3. Proceed from there as necessary

Jan 9, 2021 7:05 PM in response to jehdian

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:

  1. If your Left or Right AirPod isn't Working -- Apple Support
  2. If your AirPods Won't Connect -- Apple Support
  3. Connect and Use your AirPods and AirPods Pro -- Apple Support


B. Verify the Balance:

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: Accessibility
  4. Scroll Down: to Hearing
  5. Adjust: the audio volume balance


C. Also, Clear Out Earwax:

How to clean your AirPods and EarPods - Apple Support

Feb 3, 2021 2:25 PM in response to jehdian

I had the same issue finally after 2 weeks not helped with COVID UPS will collecting mine (UK) for a full refund. I went with the Sony XM4’s as Apple literally cannot prevent this happening due to a design flaw. I had this issue just sitting down not moving imagine walking with them on for £549 never had an issue with Apple until now! They must have been made either in a fridge or a air con room

Feb 4, 2021 9:56 PM in response to jehdian

I've had the same issue. I can confirm that it happens when there is no water on user's head and the climate here is very dry with no AC running whatsoever. A few hours of use and a teeny tiny bit of moisture around the drivers. It evaporates within minutes, but still concerning as I feel like it will have an effect over time seeing as how it is inside the earphones themselves. Hoping for official guidance on this, as it doesn't seem to be an isolated thing...

Mar 7, 2021 9:53 AM in response to talhauzi

To the OP & All:


Provide Apple With your Feedback:

Do your Part: Apple rarely reads these forums on their own time. So, to get the word out to Apple on this, provide them with feedback. They won't get back to you directly on this, but the more they hear of it, the more they will know what problems exist and how to go about fixing them. So, do you part and provide feedback on it. Be certain that you are positive with the feedback.

  1. Go Here: Feedback - AirPods - Apple
  2. Select: "Performance" for the "Feedback Type"
  3. Comment on: When this started to occur, and how you have troubleshot it this far.
  4. Proceed from there as necessary


Mar 27, 2021 12:09 AM in response to TheLittles

so I’ve had these for just over a month, I was having awful connectivity issues when using the AirPods max for work calls. They’ve been sent back to Apple twice, the first time they were returned because the technician could not replicate my issue. The second time they replaced both drivers, and they worked perfectly for about a week. Then the same issues started, I then found out about this condensation issue and checked the inside of the ear cups. Look what I found! Outrageous design flaw


May 17, 2021 6:00 AM in response to jehdian

I had to send mine back because they had sever connection issues. Apple told me the inside components had badly corroded and I had to pay £270 to have them repaired - my airpod max headphones had never been near water, never used outside or in any kind fo environment with humidity). I was sent a replacement pair - so far they have cost me nearly £800. I complained bitterly to Apple and eventually spoke to someone who said they were looking into the condensation issue (I noticed it in the second pair they sent me) but they would not refund either my repair fee or the original purchase price. I don't use them any longer - most expensive and useless headphones I've ever owned and I'm deeply unhappy with Apple's response. I've now cancelled all my business purchases with Apple.

Jan 9, 2021 4:17 PM in response to eforehand

eforehand Said:

"I am having the same issue as are many others. The condensation is on the speakers/plastic inside the ear cup. Quite concerning."

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Use of a Dehumidifier:

Its a guess, but it's probably no more than humidity gathering about your location. I use a dehumidifier nowadays, and if I didn't use it, my devices would be affected with indoor humidity. So, consider using one, if you are working out of you house, with high-end equipment.

Condensation in the Airpods Max

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