Water resistance is a
desirable feature for many headphone users, especially those who like to listen
to music while working out, traveling or enjoying the outdoors. But are Apple’s
AirPod Max headphones really water-resistant? And if so, how much water can
they handle and for how long? Here’s what you need to know.
Water Resistance Rating of AirPods Max
·
AirPods Max headphones do not have a water
resistance rating or certification. This means they are not waterproof or sweatproof and
they have not been tested for their ability to withstand water
or moisture.
·
The only part of the AirPods Max that has some degree of water
resistance is the ear cushions, which are made of memory foam
covered with a knit mesh. According to Apple, the ear cushions can be gently
wiped with a damp cloth if they get dirty or wet.
·
The rest of the AirPods Max, including the headband, the ear
cups, the digital crown and the noise control button, are not water
resistant and should be kept away from water and sweat as much as
possible. Apple warns that exposing these parts to liquid can cause damage that
is not covered by the warranty.
Water-Related Scenarios to Avoid with AirPods Max
Since AirPods Max are not
water resistant, there are some situations and conditions that you should avoid
if you want to keep them in good shape and prevent potential damage. Here are
some examples:
·
Do not place your AirPods Max under running water, such as a
shower or faucet.
·
Do not swim with or otherwise submerge your AirPods Max in water.
·
Do not put your AirPods Max in the washing machine or dryer.
·
Do not wear your AirPods Max in a sauna or steam room.
·
Do not expose your AirPods Max to high-velocity water, such as
while water skiing.
·
Do not drop your AirPods Max or subject them to other impacts.
·
Do not expose your AirPods Max to soaps, shampoos, conditioners,
lotions, perfumes, solvents, detergent, acids or acidic foods, insect
repellent, sunscreen, oil, or hair dye.
What to Do If Your AirPods Max Get Wet
If your AirPods Max get
wet accidentally or unavoidably, there are some steps you can take to minimize
the risk of damage and ensure proper drying. Here’s what you should do:
·
Wipe them clean with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth as soon as possible.
·
Allow them to completely dry before using them or placing them
in the charging case.
·
Do not use heat or compressed air to dry your AirPods Max.
·
If the ear cushions are wet, remove them from the ear cups and
gently squeeze out the excess water. Let them air dry completely before
reattaching them to the ear cups.
·
If the charging case is wet, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth and
let it air dry completely before putting your AirPods Max inside.
Real-World Tests and User Experiences
While Apple does not claim
any water resistance for the AirPods Max, some users and reviewers have
conducted their own tests and experiments to see how they fare against water
exposure. Here are some of their findings:
·
A YouTube channel called Water Test conducted a 10-minute immersion
test on the AirPods Max and found that they still worked after being submerged
in water. However, they also noted some issues with sound quality and noise
cancellation after the test. They concluded that the headphones are
“water-resistant” but not “waterproof”.
·
A Reddit user named u/ChaseFromBass shared their experience of
accidentally dropping their AirPods Max in a bathtub full of water. They said
that they immediately took them out and dried them with a towel and a hair
dryer. They reported that the headphones still worked fine after the incident,
except for some minor glitches with the noise control button and the digital
crown.
·
A website called iFixit performed a teardown of the AirPods Max
and found some evidence of water resistance features inside the headphones.
They observed that the drivers were protected by thin membranes and that some
of the internal components were coated with silicone seals. They also noted
that there were no visible liquid contact indicators inside the headphones.
Conclusion
AirPods Max headphones are not officially water resistant and they should be handled with care to avoid liquid damage. However, some users and testers have found that they can survive some degree of water exposure without serious consequences. If your AirPods Max get wet, you should follow the steps above to dry them properly and prevent further damage.
Water Resistance of AirPods
Max Headphones
|
Feature |
Water Resistance |
|
IP Rating |
None |
|
Sweat Resistance |
No |
|
Splash Resistance |
No |
|
Immersion Resistance |
No |