In the wake of their release in December 2020, Apple’s AirPods Max have been under the spotlight not for their cutting-edge technology, but for an unforeseen issue: condensation. Users have reported moisture build-up inside the magnetically attached ear cups, leading to potential damage. However, Apple’s legal team is now pushing back against these complaints, arguing that the problem is not a product defect but a user error.

According to 404 Media, Apple has been clear about the need to avoid water exposure for the headphones. They claim that condensation is a natural occurrence, particularly noticeable in the AirPods Max due to their easily removable ear cups. Amidst an ongoing lawsuit, Apple’s lawyers contend that the plaintiff has not disclosed the full extent of how the product was used, including circumstances that may have led to the condensation. As this legal battle unfolds, the spotlight remains fixed on the tech giant’s latest audio offering, raising questions about its design and user guidelines.

Apple Legal Team Responds to AirPods Max Condensation Complaints

Since the launch of the Apple AirPods Max in December 2020, users have been complaining about an issue where condensation gets trapped inside the ear cups, potentially causing damage. Apple’s legal team is now responding to these claims.

Condensation is Normal, Says Apple

According to 404 Media, Apple’s lawyers have claimed that the company has consistently warned users against allowing water to get inside the headphones. They argue that the condensation issue is merely "more noticeable" in the AirPods Max because the ear cups are magnetically attached and can be easily detached.

In essence, Apple’s stance is that a certain level of condensation is normal and users should be vigilant about it. In an ongoing lawsuit, Apple’s lawyers have pointed out that the plaintiff has not fully disclosed how the AirPods Max was used, suggesting that omitted details about a walk that led to the condensation.

Condensation occurs when warm air encounters a cold surface. This can be problematic for the AirPods Max, especially with strenuous activity and exercise that generate body heat, given the metal surfaces inside the headphones. Apple suggests that the headphones should not be used for prolonged periods in such scenarios.

The ‘Condensation Death’ Problem Persists

Despite first reporting the issue in January 2021 and numerous social media posts and Reddit threads, the problem persists. As the headphones age, it appears the ‘condensation death’ becomes more noticeable, particularly during the hot summer months.

Without an official statement from Apple, it’s hard to determine the extent of the problem. There’s a wide variation in user experiences, with some noticing significant condensation while others report minimal effects on the AirPods Max’s functionality.

TechRadar contributor Carrie Marshall, who has owned the AirPods Max for two years, stated: "I don’t wear my AirPods Max for long enough to encounter the condensation problem…They fit much tighter and give me much hotter ears than the headphones I prefer for long recording sessions, the BeyerDynamic DT-770 Pro."

Impact on AirPods Max Sales

The relatively low sales of the AirPods Max, at least in comparison to other Apple products, might mean this issue has largely flown under the radar. However, online complaints about this issue are not hard to find. It remains to be seen whether these concerns will be addressed with the release of the AirPods Max 2.

Takeaways

The controversy surrounding the AirPods Max condensation issue highlights the importance of understanding the product’s optimal use cases. The issue also underscores the need for companies like Apple to be transparent about potential problems and responsive to user concerns. It will be interesting to observe how Apple addresses this issue moving forward, particularly with the anticipated release of the AirPods Max 2.