AirPods Max crackling, disconnecting, then unresponsive
I purchased a pair of AirPods Max in Feb.2022 and use them for listening to podcasts on my iPhone, movies on my Apple TV, and music on my MacBook Pro. After 2 weeks of use (~50 hrs), the ear cup with the Digital Crown began to crackle and sound would completely stop. The other ear cup would continue generating sound for a minute or so, and then the device would completely disconnect and reconnect to the device (iPhone, laptop, TV). It would cycle through this series a few times, with the crackling getting louder each time. The device would then completely die. It wouldn’t “reset” using the method on the support site or as the Apple support agent instructed. The charging light wouldn’t come on when plugged in and it would just “brick”. I sent the device to Apple for repair. After A MONTH with no communication, they sent the device back to me (end of March 2022). Apple replaced a a significant portion of the device from the ear cup to the headband.
I used the replacement / repaired device for 2 weeks and the EXACT SAME set of issues replicated (April 2022). The device would then completely die. It wouldn’t “reset” using the method on the support site or as the Apple support agent instructed. I sent the device back to Apple a second time and they issued a replacement—not new—set of AirPods Max (mid April 2022).
I have used this 3rd iteration for 1 week and, guess what? The EXACT SAME set of issues replicated. There is no water damage. I don’t exist in a constant high energy electromagnetic field. There are no cosmetic damages. I haven’t dropped them. They just sit on top of my head while I consume various forms of media.
I spent $549 + tax and purchased Apple Care, too. These headphones were supposed to replace my Bose QuietComfort headphones that served me for 7 years and whose battery just stopped charging this year. I expected Apple’s flagship, high end headphones to perform akin to or better than my previous device. Instead, in 3 months, I’ve had 5 weeks of device usage—and a lot of trips to FedEx shipping defective equipment to Apple.
I am going to a physical Apple store tomorrow to figure out a way forward. Based on my experience, I would strongly discourage anyone from purchasing the device. Hopefully they will get the issues ironed out in the next version of the hardware.