If you run into trouble with your AirPods Max and need to get a replacement pair under warranty, it looks like the new set will be delivered without a refreshed set of ear cushions.
A 9to5Mac reader sent in a pair of AirPods Max for repair due to an issue with the Digital Crown, and the replacement set that he received back did not include ear cushions.
Apple instead expects users to keep the ear cushions from the damaged set of AirPods Max to use them with the replacement pair, unless of course the ear cushions themselves have also experienced damage. Given the modular design of the AirPods Max, it is possible for Apple to ship just the headphones or just the ear cushions for replacement purposes.
Apple's instructions for mailing in the AirPods Max include a diagram that instructs users to remove the ear cushions before shipping the AirPods Max in a repair box.
Image via 9to5Mac
With replacement AirPods Pro models, Apple does provide new ear tips, but ear tips for the AirPods Pro are priced at $8 rather than $69 like the AirPods Max ear cushions, so it's no surprise these are delivered separately.
At the current time, Apple is not selling ear cushions on a standalone basis, but they will presumably be available when stock improves. AirPods Max purchases from Apple continue to have March delivery dates at the current time.
Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products.
Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released.
iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027.
Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition.
The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia.
Since the iPhone Air launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production.
Apple supplier Foxconn has...
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a...
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season.
Note: MacRumors is...
Over $500 and no warrantied replacement ear cushions...?!?!?
Just buy the Sony headphones. Cheap feel, better sound.
If there is a problem with the ear cushions, Apple will replace them. When the problem doesn't involve the ear cushions, there is no need to replace them.
News: Apple only replaces the broken part under warranty if possible...
If your watch band fails they only replace the band. If the watch fails, only the watch. Replacement phones do not come with headphones, chargers or cables even if the original did.
We got a toy from FatBrainToys that was missing 2 parts (wrong items inside). They sent only those parts, not a whole new toy. We got a kids playhouse that was missing a small part. They sent us the part, not playhouse.
