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It is possible to remove the headband from AirPods Max with just a standard SIM card eject tool, which suggests the possibility of swapping the headbands to get a different color.
In December, MacRumors revealed the wide variety of color combinations of AirPods Max ear cushions when it became clear that they were magnetically attached and available for sale separately. Now it looks like the ‘AirPods Max’ has a more modular design than previously thought, as noted MacRumors member of the “MayaTlab” forum, which featured the tidbit of Chinese YouTube channel Prelook.
As mentioned in the AirPods Max teardown by iFixit, it is possible to easily remove the headband from AirPods Max without any disassembly of the headset. Users simply need to remove the magnetic pads, fold the earbuds flat, and insert a SIM eject tool into a small hole above the speaker.
Here’s the trick, and the best part: Despite the complexity of the joint, you can detach the entire headband from AirPods Max with just a SIM removal tool or paperclip, without even opening the headset.
When fully assembled, a small punch in just the right place compresses two tiny springs inside the joint, releasing the clamp that secures the headband.
When removed, the spokes on either side of the headband reveal a small connector to transfer power, and potentially data, between the earbuds. It’s also worth noting that the connector bears a certain resemblance to the Lightning connector. It seems likely that users could swap the headbands of different AirPods Max units to get non-stocked colourways much easier than expected.
Replaceable headbands were one of the features that were reportedly removed from the AirPods Max before launch. Before being announced, it was speculated that the “ AirPods Max ” would offer unique customization with interchangeable headbands and earbuds, repeating the concept behind Apple Watch bands.
Apple vice president of industrial design Evans Hankey said Apple has prototyped hundreds of AirPods Max designs over a long period of development. In the midst of significant delays, Bloomberg correctly predicted that Apple would abandon the concept of a replaceable headband to speed up production:
Apple has also reduced some of the interchangeable features of the headphones that were the hallmark of the original concept. The latest version of the product will likely lack a replaceable headband, but could still include interchangeable ear pads.
It is therefore possible that this headband removal system is a holdover from the original, more modular approach to “AirPods Max”. On the other hand, this hidden feature may exist only to facilitate repairability and may not be intended for general user interaction at all.
Nonetheless, it’s extremely unusual for headphones that transfer power to the headband to make the part so easily removable. The ease of removing the headband and the small connector on either side seems like a particularly well-developed concept, and contrasts with the device’s otherwise difficult repairability.
Users who wish to attempt to remove the headband from AirPods Max should still take extreme caution as it is not yet clear whether this action will void the product warranty.
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