It seems that Apple failed to do some last-minute quality assurance tests before shipping its most expensive headphones. Twitter users are reporting condensation build-up inside the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which can be problematic because the headphones are not water resistant.
Condensation occurs when water droplets accumulate on cold surfaces due to moisture in the air. Most headphones are made of plastic, a lighter material and less subject to temperature fluctuations. But for the $ 550 AirPods Max, Apple opted for aluminum, a heavier material that, like most metals, is thermally conductive.
So, uhh … my AirPods Max forms condensation after prolonged use. They have never been used in any humid environment. Water enters the drivers and causes problems with ear detection. I have used them inside a table, mostly, nothing crazy. Super worrying question pic.twitter.com/0pWicvxLv9December 27, 2020
Because of the thermally conductive nature of the metal, it can absorb heat extremely well. That is why touching a pole on a snowy day is especially cold. Or why a hot pan can burn so easily.
Since the AirPods Max are close to the ear, separated only by $ 69 air cushions, walking around the neighborhood on a cold day can easily form condensation.
In most cases, some added airflow can remedy this. But in the case of headphones, especially those with noise cancellation, 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 the accumulation of moisture.
Twitter users are even doing everything they can to prove that they are in relatively cold environments and not in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
After @donaldfilimon tweeted about condensation on his AirPods Max after long use, I checked mine. These photos were taken in Barcelona, Spain, after an hour of use in a room of 20 degrees Celsius, just sitting and listening to music. My ears are totally dry;) pic.twitter.com/SI3xtuyFAyJanuary 1, 2021
Apple started selling the AirPods Max on December 15 last year. YouTuber Techkhamun posted on Twitter six hours after you get your pair of condensation buildup.
At the moment, Apple has not yet responded publicly about this condensation problem. Tom’s Guide has contacted Apple and will update this article accordingly.