AirPods Max AppleCare+ Repair / Replacement Input Please

[NewToAMBP]

I have a set of AirPods Max Lighting Green. I also have AppleCare+ on them. I left them on my counter the other night to charge them and while plugged in my Roomba hit the cord as its a very long one and they fell into my dogs water bowl. I unplugged the charger first before I would touch them, took them out and put them in front of a fan after patting them down with paper towels. They still turned on and worked but seemed to disconnect randomly.

I contacted Apple about it and was given the options of Express Replacement or a Genius Bar Appointment. I did not want to go to my local Apple Store as I did not have the time this week and the Express Replacement they explained would put a $549 hold on my credit card, which I did not feel comfortable with just in case something goes wrong, so instead got a third option of paying the fee of $29.99, they would send me a box, I would send them in and then would get a replacement back. The Repair Request showed water damage and showed replacement option.

I got them back yesterday and just opened them. It seems they only replaced the right head-cup, and left the headband and left earcup original. The right one has a plastic wrap over it. The symptom says Physical / Liquid damage. Then it says it passed quality testing and was sent back. I only have AppleCare+ left for another 4 months on these. I dont understand why they did not replace both sides? What happens now if the other side has a issue, do I have to pay another $29.99? Or what happens if the other side has issues after the AppleCare+ is over from this incident that I had occur? Both sides were in the water, its a big deep bowl.

Any input on the above would be appreciated. I did test them and they do charge and work and pair just fine right now.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If you send in, they repair or replace at THEIR option.

The repair is normally quite good. If they work, they’ll probably continue to work.

But in the future… Express Replacement is a benefit of AppleCare+. Yes, you need to supply a card for a hold on the value, until your old ones are returned to Apple. I’ve done Express Replacement perhaps 5 or 6 times over the years on various products, and have never had a problem.

 

[bbednarz]

You really should have just gone with the express replacement. It's the biggest advantage of AppleCare+.

 

[CMoore515]

Always do Express Replacement. It's easier and a full on replacement. Whereas if you ship them it, it's repair or replace at THEIR discretion.

 

[NewToAMBP]

Ok, Thanks everyone. I will know better for the next time then. I will say though, I used them for 1 hour last night and the battery stayed at 100%, so that is pretty good thus far.