AirPod Max version 2 USB-C incompatibility with in flight entertainment
Unbelievable Oversight for Travelers - Apple, Do Better
I just received the AirPods Pro Max (Version 2 with USB-C) as a Christmas gift, and I was initially excited. As someone who travels for a living, I depend heavily on high-quality headphones, especially for in-flight entertainment. However, these headphones have been an absolute disappointment.
Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack cable does not work with these headphones. This means you cannot use these headphones with in-flight entertainment systems, which is a critical use case for frequent travelers. Also anyone that would prefer to have a wired connection from time to time.
I’m currently 15 hours of flights into one leg of a trip and discovering this flaw has been infuriating only to know i have 15 hours back home without in flight entertainment. I even spent over $70 trying various USB-C to 3.5mm cables from both Apple and third parties, only to find that none of them work. The fact that Apple has disabled a hardwired connection entirely is nothing short of ridiculous.
What’s the point of marketing these as premium headphones if they can’t adapt to real-world scenarios like planes, where Bluetooth often isn’t an option? I’m utterly baffled by this design decision. It’s not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a glaring oversight that alienates a significant portion of potential users, especially travelers like myself who rely on a hardwired connection for entertainment on long flights.
Unless Apple addresses this issue and adds compatibility for hardwired connections, I’ll be returning these headphones. For $549, this kind of omission is unacceptable. Apple, you can and should do better. Stop forcing users into your walled garden at the expense of practicality.
I don’t recommend these headphones to anyone who travels or expects versatility. If you’re in a similar position, save yourself the frustration and look elsewhere. Alternative headphones that I know work are the Bose QC-35’s. Sounds is good and it comes with an airline headphone wire. Note one end is 3.5mm and the other is 2.5 the smaller one goes into the headphone and the 3.5 is the standard size, some older planes have a double 3.5 output and there is another adapter for that.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
