The aluminum earbuds on AirPods Max.
David Phelan
Apple AirPods Max wireless headphones are sold as, well, AirPods. That is, demand has consistently exceeded supply. But some users have reported that the battery charge of their headphones has dropped overnight as dramatically as falling off a cliff.
AirPods Max comes with a controversial design case that incorporates a magnetic system to put the handsets in Ultra Low Power Mode to reduce battery drainage to a very low level.
Some of those who report battery reduction have not used the case, but others have. So, it’s a mystery.
What seems to be common users is the firmware on their AirPods Max, and the latest edition, 3C16, may be the reason. You can check what version you have, by connecting your AirPods Max to your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, About and AirPods Max. It will then show the firmware on board. The previous version was 3B71. Apple will do the update for you, you don’t have to complete it.
So how do you solve the problem, if you find out it is happening to you? I haven’t been getting a drop from the edge of the cliff but to understand the problem more clearly, I’ve been leaving my AirPods Max out of their case overnight and falls were obvious, but not to be a disaster in battery life every night.
Some users said that just restarting the mobile phones solved the issue while others had to do a full reset to factory settings. Here’s how to do them.
AirPods Max earcup showing Sound Control button (left) and Digital Crown (right)
David Phelan
The force restart had no effect for me but if you want to try it, you just press and hold the sound control button and Digital Crown together. Check the status light below the same earcup and release the buttons when the LED flashes amber. That’s it. Be careful not to hold too long as you will then move to the full reset.
The amber light only flashes three or four times. If you are going for the reset to factory settings, just hold through the amber flash and you will see the light turn white, and keep showering. And you are done. After a full reset, however, you will have to go through the pairing process again.
As you may recall, that’s a quick, painless thing to do, just bring the handsets near an iPhone or iPad and they’ll appear on the screen, the rotating animated image that matches color to your pair. . Tap on the button labeled Connect and you are done. You can also reconnect via Mac.
In the nights since I did a reset, I found that I had more power left in the morning than before, so it seems to have made a big difference. If there are further enhancements, or if AirPods Max updates in the future as well – I’ll let you know.
Click here to continue Facebook on Instagram: davidphelantech and Twitter: @ davidphelan2009