As the summer season is in full swing, you may be contemplating whether it’s safe to bring your AirPods to the beach and enjoy music from your iPhone. In this post, we will provide you with all the necessary information to consider, along with a set of recommendations and precautions to ensure the safety and optimal functioning of your headphones.
From water resistance, to protecting them from sand
When visiting the beach, it’s important to consider that exposure to more than just saltwater is a potential risk for electronic devices. The tiny size of AirPods compared to other devices, such as iPhones, makes them particularly vulnerable to damage.
A combination of sea salt, sweat, and the humid beach environment can be harmful to the operation of AirPods if proper protection measures are not taken. The first point to note is the need for protection against water and dust. The following models are equipped with this protection:
– 1st generation AirPods Pro
– 2nd generation AirPods Pro
– Third-generation AirPods
Although these models are designed to withstand sweat and humidity, their resistance to water is not absolute. They are not submersible, and prolonged exposure to water should be avoided. Similarly, both the headphones and their cases have an IPX4 degree of protection. Based on this information, it is clear that wearing AirPods while swimming is not recommended.
What to keep in mind
When in a dry and secluded area on the beach, it is generally safe to use AirPods. However, caution must be exercised, particularly when transitioning from water activities to listening to music.
Moisture that remains in the hair and ears poses a risk, especially when combined with the salinity of seawater. Seawater, being highly corrosive, can be detrimental to electronic devices, especially considering the compact size and numerous sensors integrated into AirPods.
If the headphones are exposed to excessive humidity and salt, they can be at risk. Prolonged exposure while wet or in a humid and salty environment can compromise their performance. It’s important to note that the water resistance of AirPods is designed for fresh water, not seawater.
However, water is not the sole adversary in a beach setting. Special attention should be paid to preventing sand grains from getting lodged in the headphones or the case. If this occurs, it’s crucial to carefully and promptly clean them using non-abrasive products to avoid any damage to sensitive components.