It is possible to remove the headband from the AirPods Max with just a standard SIM card ejector tool, suggesting the possibility of changing the head bands to obtain a different colorway.
In December, MacRumors revealed the wide variety of color combinations of the AirPods Max ear cushions when it became clear that they were magnetically coupled and were available for sale separately. Now, it appears that AirPods Max has a more modular design than previously understood, as raised by MacRumors the forum member “MayaTlab”, who highlighted the rumor of the Chinese channel Prelook on YouTube.
As mentioned in the AirPods Max iFixit disassembly, it is possible to easily remove the faixaAirPods Max headband without any disassembly of the headphones. Users only need to remove the magnetic ear cushions, fold the headphones and insert a SIM card ejector tool into a small hole above the speaker.
Here’s the trick, and the best part: despite the complexity of the joint, you can remove the entire headband from the PAirPods Max with just a SIM card or paper clip removal tool, without even opening the ear protector.
When fully assembled, a small nudge in the right place compresses two tiny springs into the joint, releasing the clamp that holds the headband.
Once removed, the rays on each side of the headband reveal a small connector for transferring energy and, potentially, data, between the headphones. It is also interesting that the connector has some passing resemblance to the Lightning connector. It seems likely that users will be able to exchange the bandanas of different AirPods Max units to obtain out-of-stock colors much more easily than expected.
Replaceable bandanas were one of the features that were believed to be removed from AirPods Max before launch. Before it was announced, it was speculated that the AirPods Max would offer unique customization with interchangeable headbands and headphones, repeating the concept behind the Apple Watch tracks.
Apple Vice President of Industrial Design Evans Hankey said Apple had prototyped hundreds of AirPods Max designs over a long period of development. Amid significant delays, Bloomberg correctly predicted that Apple would abandon the concept of a replaceable headband to speed up production:
Apple also reduced some of the interchangeable features of the headphones that were a trademark of the initial concept. The latest version of the product probably doesn’t have a replaceable headband, but it can still include interchangeable ear cushions.
Therefore, it is possible that this headband removal system is a remnant of the original and more modular approach of AirPods Max. On the other hand, this hidden feature may exist purely to assist in repair and cannot be intended for general user interaction.
However, it is extremely unusual for headphones that transfer energy through the headband to make the part easily removable. The ease of removing the headband and the small connector on both sides seems to be a peculiarly well-developed concept and contrasts with the difficulty of repairing the device.
Users who wish to attempt to remove the AirPods Max headband should still be very careful, as it is still unclear whether this action voids the product warranty.