Judge Cuts AirPods Max Defect Suit to 2 Warranty Claims

Q: Amid a lawsuit over 'condensation death,' did Apple fix the alleged fatal flaw in its new AirPods Max 2?

No. Based on the available reporting, Apple did not appear to fix the alleged condensation flaw in the AirPods Max 2. The lawsuit concerns the original AirPods Max, with users alleging that condensation formed inside the aluminum ear cups and caused failures such as connectivity dropouts, sound degradation, ear-detection problems and battery issues. Apple has denied an inherent defect, saying moisture is simply more visible because of the removable magnetic ear cups and noting the headphones are not waterproof. But the newer AirPods Max 2, launched in March 2026, reportedly keeps the same core aluminum ear-cup design that users and critics have long linked to the condensation problem. The additional reporting says early buyers of the second-generation model have already described the same condensation patterns seen in the first version. That does not prove every AirPods Max 2 will fail, and the pending case has not established liability. Still, there is no clear evidence in the record that Apple redesigned the hardware in a way that would eliminate the moisture issue. Reviews also note the lack of an IP rating for sweat or rain resistance, which would have helped address concerns about moisture exposure. So the best evidence available points one way: Apple refreshed the product, but did not materially solve the alleged “condensation death” risk.

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 7

A Brooklyn federal judge dismissed most claims in the proposed class action over alleged AirPods Max condensation defects, leaving only two warranty claims by Washington plaintiff Dustin Amundson.
Judge Orelia Merchant threw out all New York-law claims with prejudice and removed New York plaintiff Arthur Apicella, saying the headphones still met a minimal quality standard because he acknowledged using them to watch a movie.
Amundson can proceed under Washington’s implied warranty of merchantability and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, though his express warranty and unjust enrichment claims were also dismissed.
By Aug. 5, Amundson may seek to revive Washington consumer-protection and fraud claims, with Apple’s opposition due Sept. 4.
The suit stems from complaints since the AirPods Max’s December 2020 launch that condensation inside the aluminum ear cups caused connectivity, sound, ear-detection and battery problems.