It turns out that Apple did not do a quality assurance test at the last minute before sending its latest expensive headphones. Users on Twitter report condensation buildup in the earbuds of the Apple AirPods Max, which can be problematic because the headphones are not water resistant.
Condensation is when water droplets collect on cold surfaces due to moisture in the air. Most headphones are made of plastic, a lighter material that is less prone to temperature fluctuations. But for the $ 550 AirPods Max, Apple chose to go with aluminum, a heavier material that, like most metals, is heat-conducting.
So, uhh … my AirPods Max forms condensation after prolonged use. They have never been used in a humid environment. The water gets inside the drivers and caused problems with ear detection. I mainly put them on a desk, nothing crazy. Super on issue pic.twitter.com/0pWicvxLv927 December 2020
Due to the thermal conductivity of metal, it can absorb heat very well. Therefore, it feels especially cold to touch a pole. Or why a hot pan can burn so easily.
Because the AirPods Max sits close to the ear, separated only by $ 69 air cushions, it can easily build up condensation on a cold day in the area.
In most cases, some extra airflow can correct this. But in the case of headphones, especially sound-suppressing ones, a dense seal should be applied around the ear. The combination of cold aluminum, body heat and an enclosed space is the perfect environment for moisture build-up.
Users on Twitter even make an effort to prove that they are in relatively cold environments and not in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
After @donaldfilimon after long use testing over condensation in his AirPods Max, I checked mine. These photos are 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 completely dry;) pic.twitter.com/SI3xtuyFAy1 January 2021
Apple started selling the AirPods Max on December 15 last year. YouTuber Techkhamun mailed on Twitter six hours after he built up his condensation.
Apple has yet to respond publicly to this condensation issue. Tom’s Guide has reached out to Apple and will update this article accordingly.