Whether you’re considering AirPods as a present or an upgrade for yourself, it’s crucial to consider how they’ll be used so you can be sure they’ll hold up. If you’re considering wearing your AirPods in the rain or while working out, you should know that different versions, including the original AirPods, the AirPods Max, and the AirPods Pro 2, have varying degrees of water resistance. You should be aware of potential dangers if you wish to protect yourself.
Let’s take a look at the different models of AirPods and what their water-resistance ratings actually entail in terms of Practicality.
AirPod 2: No Water Resistance
While the second-generation AirPods improved in many ways over their predecessor, one feature they kept the same was their complete lack of water resistance. Do not wear your AirPods in the shower or anywhere else they could get wet. These AirPods are not water-proof and will be damaged if they come into contact with splashing water such as raindrops or sweat from physical activity. Waterproofing your charging case for your AirPods is possible with a few optional add-ons, but the earbuds themselves are not water resistant.
Airpod 3: IPX4 Water Resistance
Apple overhauled the AirPods 3 in every way, from the way they sound to the way they look. However, water resistance was added to the series as a major improvement.
The third-generation AirPods are water-resistant to the IPX4 standard. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed this rating standard, which is now universally applied to headphones and earbuds of all shapes and sizes.
The AirPods 3 have been certified as IPX4, which means they can withstand “water sprays from any direction.” That’s a kind of a mouthful, but it implies that you can wear your AirPods 3 in the shower, while you’re sweating, while you’re cooking, etc. Here is where you can finally find a pair of AirPods that are weatherproof and can be worn while jogging or working out in inclement conditions.
Despite their IPX4 rating, these AirPods are not completely submersible in water. They are not water-resistant (that begins at IPX7), therefore you shouldn’t wear them in the pool. In addition to the fact that you can’t wear them in the shower, you also shouldn’t go swimming or wading in a river or lake while sporting these bad boys.
Airpod Pro 2: IPX4 Water Resistance
Apple discontinued the original AirPods Pro because of the release of the updated AirPods Pro 2, which had enhanced noise cancellation and sliding touch controls for volume, among other enhancements. It’s no surprise that Apple’s most recent advancements in water resistant technology found their way into the more sophisticated AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro second generation have an IPX4 rating, so they are protected from water coming from any angle. While you probably shouldn’t use these headphones swimming (unlike some models), wet weather won’t be a problem. Even though Apple advises against submerging them or using them in the shower, accidental immersion or splashing shouldn’t damage them.
Interestingly, Apple has made the AirPods Pro 2’s casing water resistant as well, so you can use them in the rain without fear of damaging them. Even so, we recommend urge you to avoid getting water inside the charging case.
Airpod Max: No Water Resistance
The AirPods Max stand out from the crowd because they are not earbuds but rather over-ear headphones that operate wirelessly. They are not water-resistant in any way, though. When you consider that the AirPods’ over-ear design makes them more vulnerable to water damage, it’s clear that you shouldn’t take any chances with them. If at all possible, keep them indoors.
How to Handle a Wet Airpod
It just takes a moment for an AirPod to become completely submerged in water, and accidents do happen. Although this is not an immediate death sentence for your trusty AirPods, prompt action is recommended:
To begin, quickly remove them from any standing water or precipitation. Get rid of them by turning off the power and unplugging the device from which they were connected.
Second, remove any remaining moisture from the AirPods by wiping them off with a dry, soft towel. It’s fine to give them a light shake to get the water out of the cracks.
Third, find a dry, open area to store your AirPods. Keep them from the court case (never put AirPods that might be wet back in the charging case). In the case of a thorough soaking, you should wait at least a full day for them to dry after being left out to air dry for 12 hours. To avoid further damage, never dry AirPods with compressed air, a hair drier, or any other kind of heat or hot air.
The fourth step is to put the AirPods back in the charging case, wait until they’re fully charged, and then try to reconnect.
