It seems that Apple failed to do any quality assurance tests at the last minute before sending the latest expensive headphones. Users on Twitter report accumulation of condensation inside the earbuds of Apple AirPods Max, which can be problematic as the headphones are not water-repellent.
Condensation is when water droplets collect on cold surfaces due to humidity. Most headphones are made of plastic, a lighter material that is less prone to temperature fluctuations. But for $ 550 AirPods Max, Apple chose to go with aluminum, a heavier material that, like most metals, is heat-conducting.
So, uhh … AirPods Max condenses after prolonged use. They have never been used in any humid environment. The water enters the drivers and has caused problems with ear detection. I̵
7;ve had them inside and sat mostly at a desk, nothing crazy. Super regarding the issue pic.twitter.com/0pWicvxLv9 December 27, 2020
Due to the heat-conducting nature of the metal, it can absorb heat extremely well. Therefore, it feels especially cold to touch a pole on a snowy day. Or why a hot pan can burn so easily.
Because the AirPods Max sits close to the ear, separated only by $ 69 airbags, it can easily build up condensation to walk around the neighborhood on a cold day.
In most cases, some extra airflow can solve this. However, in the case of headphones, especially noise reduction, a tight seal must be made around the ear. The combination of cold aluminum, body heat and an enclosed space is the perfect environment for moisture.
Twitter users even go out of their way to prove that they are in relatively cold environments and not in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
After @donaldfilimon tweeted about condensation in AirPods Max after long use, I checked mine. These photos were taken in Barcelona, Spain, after an hour of use at 20 degrees Celsius, just sitting and listening to music. My ears are completely dry;) pic.twitter.com/SI3xtuyFAyJanuary 1, 2021
Apple began selling AirPods Max on December 15 last year. YouTuber Techkhamun posted on Twitter six hours after receiving his condensation build-up.
As of now, Apple has not yet responded publicly to this condensation issue. Tom’s Guide has reached out to Apple and will update this article accordingly.
