A Meshy Situation for AirPods Max Owners: Headband May Not Stand the Test of Time

Getting your AirPods Max headband replaced may be tricky. (From Reddit/iMissTheOldKimye - https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/v16hqr/anybody_else_have_had_issues_with_their_maxs_mesh/)
(From Reddit/iMissTheOldKimye)

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A fresh online forum post sparks criticism over the durability of the AirPods Max headband.

In August 2023, a Reddit post re-ignites criticism over the AirPods Max’ build quality, with the headband mesh losing elasticity over time. The original poster (OP) wonders if there’s anything they can do to return their AirPods Max to tip-top shape. Turns out, they’re not alone in this dilemma.

Apple’s AirPods Max hit the market in December 2020, boasting a hefty price tag but enough appealing features to catch the eye of Apple enthusiasts. Since then, however, users who invested in the headphones have found reasons to complain – ranging from the “ugly carrying case” to the dreaded condensation issue.

The AirPods Max Headband Issue, Explained

The elasticity of the AirPods Max headband mesh can weaken over time. (From Reddit/TumbacholaPR)
The elasticity of the AirPods Max headband mesh can weaken over time. (From Reddit/TumbacholaPR)

The criticism poured in after Reddit user TumbacholaPR posted a photo of their AirPods Max headband in which you can notice the mesh falling apart. They admit they thought it was dirt at first but soon realized that the issue was more serious:

“It’s like some white small cords are coming out of the black ones. It’s probably the mesh elasticity cords or something right?”

TumbacholaPR quickly got a reply from another Reddit user, jayessmcqueen, who experienced a similar problem:

“It’s the elastic snapping in the headband. They are probably super uncomfortable to wear now, right? Mine got like this in less than 2 years, and I hated how uncomfortable they became, especially since they were incredibly comfy before.”

Unfortunately, a quick search reveals this is a common AirPods Max wear-and-tear problem that can occur after around a year of moderate use. Reddit poster spmcewen writes:

“I just noticed this with mine. About 15 months old. They are stretched to the point that they don’t add support to the top of my head, and the round sides support the weight. So they are getting quite uncomfortable.”

Aesthetics aside, this is the major downside of the AirPods Max mesh falling apart as the headphones become less comfortable to wear.

An AirPods Max Headband Replacement Might Cost You

Getting your AirPods Max headband replaced may be tricky. (From Reddit/iMissTheOldKimye - https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/v16hqr/anybody_else_have_had_issues_with_their_maxs_mesh/)
Getting your AirPods Max headband replaced may be tricky. (From Reddit/iMissTheOldKimye)

The issue doesn’t seem to affect all users, with some stating that their AirPods Max still look flawless years after purchase. User OpenMind5474 writes:

“I have had mine for over 2 years and the mesh is completely intact.”

But if you’re one of the unlucky ones dealing with a damaged AirPods Max headband, you might wonder if it’s reason enough for Apple to issue you a replacement. Sadly, the odds aren’t in your favor.

AirPods come with one year of hardware repair coverage through Apple’s limited warranty. Given that the issue seems to occur after about two years of use, your limited warranty likely expired before the mesh began to fall apart. In that case, you’ll have to pay for a replacement headband yourself.

Your chances are better if you purchased Apple Care+. The plan extends your coverage to two years from your AppleCare+ purchase date for “unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection.”

Read the fine print, though, and you’ll notice that Apple doesn’t provide coverage for cosmetic damage, the category under which the crumbling headband mesh most likely falls.

According to the Terms and Conditions, Apple will not provide service “to protect against normal wear and tear, or to repair cosmetic damage not affecting the functionality of the Covered Equipment.”

As a sample, user Fresh-Advice-3455 didn’t manage to get a replacement:

“Just tried to send mine into AppleCare+ and they sent them back saying no issue.”

However, multiple Reddit users report getting their AirPods Max headband replaced under AppleCare+. Axl35 writes:

”I have AppleCare, and I easily got a replacement. I can see now the difference between a new and a used headband mesh. It will happen again, we all know it.”

All in all, it’s worth inquiring about getting the headband replaced for free if you have AppleCare+. You have nothing to lose.

Possible Fixes for a Crumbling AirPods Max Headband

Using a rubber band DIY hack might make your worn AirPods Max more comfortable. (From: Imgur/synstelien - https://imgur.com/a/kbMhCRn)
Using a rubber band DIY hack might make your worn AirPods Max more comfortable. (From: Imgur/synstelien)

Apple doesn’t sell replacement headbands for AirPods Max, only ear cushions, so you can’t purchase one and replace it yourself.

That said, you can invest in an inexpensive headband silicone cover. Not only does it protect the headband from further damage, but it might also increase your comfort level.

Even if you’re not dealing with deteriorating mesh, a protective cover should prolong the life of the headband. The Amazon reviews are almost universally positive:

“I was looking for a way to address the loose net on the top of the AirPods as it’s becoming a bit painful to wear them for a long time. I was surprised [by] how effective this product was.”

For a DIY fix, one user recommends wrapping a rubber band around the headband so that the mesh no longer sags, theoretically making the AirPods Max more comfortable to wear. They also suggest wrapping the headband in a thick cloth for extra softness.

One thing’s for sure: everyone agrees that Apple should fix the headband problem by the time the AirPods Max 2 hit the market. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.

Some quotes have been edited for clarity.

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