Are AirPods Max Water Resistant? Analyzing Their Resistance to Water

What level of water resistance do AirPods Max have, and can they be used in wet conditions?

  • AirPods Max are not waterproof or water resistant.
  • They do not have a public IP durability rating, unlike the third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro that have a water- and sweat-resistant rating of IPX4.
  • This means they cannot withstand splashing water from any direction, let alone immersion or high-pressure water.
  • They should be kept away from water and other liquids as much as possible.

Are there any recommended guidelines or precautions for using AirPods Max near water?

  • Apple advises to be careful not to get moisture in any openings of the AirPods Max.
  • You can clean your AirPods Max with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or gently wipe them with disinfecting wipes (except for the ear cushions and the headband mesh).
  • You should avoid using your AirPods Max in humid environments, such as bathrooms, saunas, steam rooms, etc.
  • You should also avoid exposing your AirPods Max to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight, heat sources, or freezing conditions.

How well do AirPods Max handle accidental exposure to water, such as rain or splashes?

  • AirPods Max are not designed to handle accidental exposure to water, such as rain or splashes.
  • If your AirPods Max get wet, you should wipe off any liquid using a microfiber cloth and place them on a flat and dry surface.
  • You can also use desiccants, such as silica gel packets, to create a dry environment for your AirPods Max and try to dry out the components that got wet.
  • You should not use rice to dry your AirPods Max, as it is not effective at absorbing moisture and may cause more damage by getting stuck in your headphones.

What are the potential consequences or risks of water damage to AirPods Max, and can they be repaired?

  • Water damage to AirPods Max may cause malfunctioning, corrosion, or short-circuiting of the internal components.
  • This may affect the audio quality, noise cancellation, battery life, connectivity, or functionality of your headphones.
  • Water damage may also void your warranty, as Apple does not cover liquid damage under its limited warranty or AppleCare+ plan.
  • If your AirPods Max are damaged by water, you may need to pay for a repair or a replacement from Apple or an authorized service provider.
  • The repair cost may vary depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts. The table below shows the estimated repair costs for different scenarios:
Scenario Repair Cost
Battery service $79
Out-of-warranty service $549
Accidental damage (with AppleCare+) $29
Lost or stolen $699

Conclusion

AirPods Max are not water resistant and should not be used in wet conditions. If they get wet accidentally, you should try to dry them as soon as possible. Water damage may cause serious problems for your headphones and may not be covered by warranty. You should follow Apple’s guidelines and precautions for using and maintaining your AirPods Max.


AirPods Max Water Resistance Table
Model IP Rating Waterproof Water Resistant Sweat Resistant Cleaning Method
AirPods Max None No No No Soft, dry, lint-free cloth or disinfecting wipes (except for ear cushions and headband mesh)
AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation) IPX4 No Yes (splashes only) Yes (not sweatproof) Soft, dry, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with fresh water
AirPods (3rd generation) IPX4 No Yes (splashes only) Yes (not sweatproof) Soft, dry, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with fresh water
AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) None No No No Soft, dry, lint-free cloth or disinfecting wipes

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