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Some AirPods Max Owners Complain of Condensation in Ear Cups
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It’s funny, because condensation and heat were issues I wondered about with these headphones. It’s not just an Apple issue, nor is it because they’re using aluminum for the cans. It’s really an issue of creating enough of a seal around the ears that the normal moisture and heat your body (including your ears) emit has nowhere to go. I’ve had this issue with my Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2’s, especially on long distance and international flights.
I’d suggest that Apple start working on a venting system of some type, because it’s going to create problems with electronics and sensors if not addressed.
I’d suggest that Apple start working on a venting system of some type, because it’s going to create problems with electronics and sensors if not addressed.
Lol, or maybe if I didn't respond, it's because I don't browse the forums every single day? Nonetheless, you're in luck. I returned them for the following reasons (I got mine on day one by the way, so plenty of time to try and test):
- I absolutely hated the case. It barely protected the headphones in my rucksack whilst I was travelling abroad (for a family emergency I must add).
- The battery life drained by 30% over 2 days despite being in the case and not being used.
- They weren't very comfortable. I used them for three hours on a plane ride and my ears were hurting afterwards.
- The sound quality is overrated. I own a huge line of premium headphones including ones from Bowers and Wilkins, B&O, Sennheiser and Sony (not a fan of Bose). People are hyping the Airpods Max's sound quality but it really isn't better than a lot of the competition out there. It's not worse either in some cases I must add.
- I couldn't justify the price tag. For the price I paid, they had to be perfect. These are far from it.
I didn't experience any of the condensation issues btw.
So ultimately, I returned it because Apple released an unfinished product that clearly has some quality issues for some people, but also for their own standards, the product is of a very poor standard.
Makes sense, that's why I can't do on ear and over ear cans. I get hot ears after a short time, very uncomfortable. So when AirPods Max came out I wasn't tempted at all (and relieved I wouldn't be dropping $550). In-earphones only for me.
For the price of these, you'd think Apple could put a little silica bag in each ear cup! 
I returned mine, but condensation was the least of my concerns. They were too heavy and slide off your head every time you look up or down. The battery drain is horrible with or without the bra case. M1 connectivity is flaky and they would randomly disconnect from my phone and connect to a MacBook, iPad, or an iMac in another room while I’m trying to be on a conference call. Tried numerous resets, etc. It’s really a shame because the build quality and design are great, and so is the sound. Going to try B&O HS9 next instead.
Or, and hear me out, this is a known quantity when it comes to headphones and the electronics were designed to handle it without issue?
This report is a couple weeks late right?
New marketing opportunity: $500 headphones, now with ear humidifier!!
New marketing opportunity: $500 headphones, now with ear humidifier!!
Or live in a humid environment. Or recently discovered that, "Hey, you sweat more than you thought possible."
I'm assuming the headphones are garbage and you are hot. Or is it the other way around?
All in jest.
Much like when the first AirPods came out, they didn't fit/remain in everyone's ears. Look at some of the initial reviews. Mine only fall out/off if I turn upside down or catch them when removing my shirt.
I’m sure Apple factored in some moisture level within the earcups, but as is generally the case, everyone has different levels of propensity to sweat, not to mention time on ear will undoubtably have an effect, so it’s going to be a non-issue for a lot of people.
If I had to guess, we’ll hear some suggestion from Apple that users should remove the headphones for 15 minutes every 4 hours of constant use, in order to let the moisture evaporate.
All phones didn’t though...other phones could be made to exhibit the effect by gripping them unnaturally, e.g. upside down etc. The iPhone 4 had the issue when held naturally for a phone call.
I was leery of these headphones when this story first broke, but I had a pair on order and they were saying they were in the process of preparing to ship... So, I didn't really want to cancel them, on the chance that I might end up having a condensation issue. They arrived about two days ago, I have used them for about 3 hours at a time, and haven't had a single incident of condensation.
I would expect the incident to show up for me if it were going to, because I sit in an air conditioned room all day long (Central Florida), but it just hasn't happened to my APMs.
I would expect the incident to show up for me if it were going to, because I sit in an air conditioned room all day long (Central Florida), but it just hasn't happened to my APMs.
