How do I resolve unresponsive AirPods Max Lightning

Hello everyone,

I’m writing because I’ve been experiencing recurring issues with my AirPods Max (Lightning model), and I’d like to hear from users who may have faced similar situations — especially those who have used both the Lightning and USB-C versions.

Background

I’ve been an Apple user for many years. iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.

Everything works perfectly except my AirPods Max.

I purchased the Lightning version a little over a year ago. Starting around the 4th–5th month, the device began showing issues that gradually became more frequent.

Issues:

• Complete unresponsiveness
• No Bluetooth connection, no noise control response, and no reaction when charging as if the battery is disconnected.
• Random shutdowns during use
• The right ear cup shutting off for ~10 seconds (every 1–2 weeks), and occasionally both sides shutting off for 1–2 minutes.
• Reset not completing
• Three orange flashes appear, but the white flashing light that indicates a successful reset never shows.
• LED lights visible but device still non-functional
• Green when taken out of the case, orange when charging, but still unusable.

These episodes usually last 1–1.5 days, and the device randomly starts working again.

Service update

I recently took the headphones to an authorized Apple service provider in Turkey (Konya Gürgençler).

They approved a full replacement, and I’m currently waiting for the new unit to arrive.

My concern

Because the issues appeared months after purchase and worsened over time, I’m worried that the same thing might eventually happen again with the replacement. which will still be the Lightning version.

I have read several user reports saying they experienced issues on the Lightning model but did not experience the same issues on the newer USB-C model.

I don’t know whether this is coincidental or related to hardware differences, so I’m hoping to hear real-world experiences here.

My question to the community;

Is there anyone who previously used the AirPods Max Lightning model, experienced issues like unresponsiveness or random shutdowns, and then switched to the USB-C model and no longer encountered these problems?

I’m not asking about special exchanges or Apple replacements - just general user experience from those who have used both versions.

Any insight, comparisons, or long-term experience would be extremely helpful for me.

Frankly, I would be much happier if Apple service replaced it with a Type-C model instead of a Lightning model :)

Thank you so much for your time.

- Emir

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: AirPods Max (Lightning) Becoming Unresponsive. Replacement Approved, Seeking User Experiences Between Lightning & USB-C Models