I feel like this is probably less of a "mix and match" play and more of a repairability feature. If you break them, rather than buy a new $550 pair of headphones (or worse for apple, DON'T buy them) you can replace the broken part.
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AirPods Max Headband Removable With Just a SIM Ejector Tool, Hinting at Interchangeable Headbands
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It's not like the headband has an incredibly thin mesh. Not susceptible to misuse or tearing, right?
You could glue the sim try tool onto the cup, or stick it into the fabric, so you have it available all the times
I doubt this is for the general public. I’d be surprised if Apple sent replacement ear cans as a replacement rather than replace the entire unit. This is probably so they can be repaired easily at the repair depot.
I highly doubt apple’s own “Geniuses” are authorized to disassemble them.
I highly doubt apple’s own “Geniuses” are authorized to disassemble them.
If the mesh is damaged or the headband is otherwise broken. That means it can be repaired without replacing the entire unit.
Agreed, it's nice to see that it's actually possible. My old Audio-Technica headband desintegrated after a couple of years, replacing it involved unsoldering/resoldering the wires to swap out the headband. Shame as there was nothing wrong with the headphones themselves they were brilliant, just the headband was a chore to replace.
It'll be interesting to see what 3rd party accessory makers come up with and how they'll utilise this.
Except that quote is a myth.
Henry Ford, Innovation, and That “Faster Horse” Quote
“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” We’ve all been in conversations on the topics of creativity and innovation when Henry Ford’s most famous adage is (excuse the pun) trotted out, usually accompanied by a knowing smirk and air of self-evidence. Battle...
hbr.org
The problem I have is how much money Apple want for the parts for these headphones.
Battery (not modular) service fee: £ 309
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/airpods/repair/service#battery?aid=CA-link
Battery (not modular) service fee: £ 309
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/airpods/repair/service#battery?aid=CA-link
I salute the guy who decided "Well why not stick something in the little hole and see what happens."
It doesn't. He has to manufacture complaints - it's the only thing you can export post Brexit. 😅 /s
Given how relatively easy these are to repair, hoping there are some reputable battery providers waiting in the wings in the next 2 years. If Apple provided pricing on the headband part, I might've kept my Silver set - headband stain was my main concern. Or maybe we can get some 3P headbands... with built in batteries and LEDs!
I usually apply the same logic, but I really needed new headphones and lept at these immediately. I very much hope the v2 is significantly lighter. I could happily forego the "premium" aluminum to get a few dozen grams off my head.
OK I have to take it back, at launch it was £309 (I even spoke to customer service who gave me the link originally). It's been changed and now a more reasonable £75. I stand corrected.
This screenshot was taken at release.
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Repairability is a pretty big reason on its own, for consumers it’s nice but it’s even nicer for Apple’s repair techs. On a personal level, ever manage to break the band on a nice pair of headphones? I have, it sucks, because those headphones are gone now. I would have loved to have been able to just replace the band
Also I’d bet that at some point you’ll be able to BTO different combinations of bands and ear pads, like the apple watch and watch bands, so it may also facilitate that.
It's great to know I can replace the headband if I damage them... that was my single biggest worry. Nice job, Apple.
Perhaps there could be be “smart” headbands, AR accessories or similar things in the future, that connect to the Max ear cups.