AirPods Max Headband Removable With Just a SIM Ejector Tool, Hinting at Interchangeable Headbands

[dwaltwhit]

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.

 

[zakool21]

Not sure why anyone would would want or need to remove the headband but okay ....

It's not like the headband has an incredibly thin mesh. Not susceptible to misuse or tearing, right?

 

[Mr.Blacky]

This is clearly for "repairability". Headband ripped/broken? Just swap the headband.
Something's wrong with the left earcup? Just swap the left earcup.

 

[SSDGUY]

It's so you can throw the headband in the washing machine to remove all the scalp skank from the mesh band.

 

[sdz]

Got it. So. Use your AirPods Max, done listening. Then pull off the cup pads, use your ejector tool to take off the headband, and now you can travel better with them.

You could glue the sim try tool onto the cup, or stick it into the fabric, so you have it available all the times

 

[jimthing]

Tip: video, headband remove from:15:47

 

[ouimetnick]

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.

 

[obamtl]

Not sure why anyone would would want or need to remove the headband but okay ....

If the mesh is damaged or the headband is otherwise broken. That means it can be repaired without replacing the entire unit.

 

[.Joel]

If it was designed for the general public, I'd expect something that could be undone by hand. This just looks like an easy way to detach them from the band in order to isolate them while repairing them.

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.

 

[nylonsteel]

tool in picture looks like a broken trs plug

 

[nwcs]

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses and removable headbands.” - Henry Ford

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

 

[jimmy_uk]

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

 

[jimthing]

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

Where does it say £309?

 

[Sanlitun]

I salute the guy who decided "Well why not stick something in the little hole and see what happens."

 

[kildraik]

tool in picture looks like a broken trs plug

That’s what I thought at first. Good eye.

 

[nate13]

Where does it say £309?

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!

 

[ignatius345]

I suspect version 2 with a long runway and huge user feedback will be a significant leap.

And that's why I'll wait until then to buy a pair.

(Yes, you can apply this to any new Apple product. V1 - V2 is often the biggest jump).

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.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Where does it say £309?

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.
Post 304

 

[seek3r]

Not sure why anyone would would want or need to remove the headband but okay ....

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.

 

[juanm]

Not sure why anyone would would want or need to remove the headband but okay ....

To make them match their Apple watch bracelet.

 

[LeeW]

It doesn't. He has to manufacture complaints - it's the only thing you can export post Brexit. 😅 /s

It was £309, I can vouch for that.

edit - Updated screenshot above confirming.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Delete

 

[Karma*Police]

It's great to know I can replace the headband if I damage them... that was my single biggest worry. Nice job, Apple.

 

[Sarkany]

If the headbands were cheap, they wouldn’t have been so easy to replace.

 

[dotnet]

Perhaps there could be be “smart” headbands, AR accessories or similar things in the future, that connect to the Max ear cups.