AirPods Max Condensation lead to corroded connectors. Now they have stopped working.

My AirPods Max (V1) started crackling in the right ear, which was a warning sign.

I started looking on-line and found the condensation issue. I only watch TV for a few hours at night, so no excessive heat generated by me.

Following the advice of a few people I removed the head band and cleaned the contacts. A Digital Microscope clearly showed the corrosion at the end of the headband connectors. I'm assuming the other side of the connector in the ear cups are also corroded but I can't get to that part. I tried a thin cotton bud, which cleaned some of it out.

When I hold down the buttons, I get as far as three amber lights and no pairing white lights.

I've had them for just under three years. I now know how lucky I've been compared to a lot of people but I still think it's not too much to expect them to last longer than that!

The other issue is the headband stretching out. I realised I was getting two grooves in my head from the bars on the headband!

Did no-one at Apple see this problem during the design phase?

I think they simply put form over function on this one!

So what now, do I buy new ones, knowing they will probably have the same issues? No.

I loved the integration with all my Apple devices but now I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

Sorry Apple, you let me down on this one.

I'll be keeping the AirPods Max in the hope that Apple admits its design flaws and offers to repair them.

I know it's a slim chance but can anyone say "Butterfly Keyboard"?