Third-party AirPods Max solutions seek to address smart case criticism

The first third-party magnet cases and hangers containing AirPods Max, which allow users to avoid using Apple’s Smart Case, are now available for purchase.

The Apple Smart Case contains magnets that put ‌AirPods Max‌ into a low-power mode to preserve battery life. After 18 hours in the Smart Case, the irAirPods Max into switch to an ultra-low power mode that turns off Bluetooth and Find My.

‌AirPods Max‌ has no power button, instead Apple relies on different power modes and the Smart Case to preserve battery life. However, the Smart Case has been burned for its design, which some customers have criticized for offering very little protection and being impractical, and without using it, AirPods Max‌ takes longer to enter its low-power state.

Amid these criticisms, third-party companies have begun to come up with solutions to address the Smart Case’s criticisms. WaterField Designs’ “protective case” for “AirPods Max”, unlike Apple’s smart case, which only partially covers each of the “AirPods Max” headphones, cradles the entire headset in an ultra-plush interior and offers three layers of protection. There is also an inside pocket to carry a load brick, waterproof zippers and a loop to secure the box to a carabiner.

The WaterField Shield case contains a “magnetic leather butterfly” that puts “AirPods Max” in its low-power mode without Apple’s Smart Case, but it’s also possible to fold these magnets to put “AirPods Max” along with your Smart Case in the Shield Case.

On Etsy, a 3D-printed “Air Hanger” irAirPods Max‌ uses magnets similarly to put headphones in low-power mode without the Smart Case. The wall hanger allows you to hang ‌AirPods Max‌ at any band length, with a curved lip to prevent the headphones from slipping.

The WaterField Designs shield case for irAirPods Max‌ is now available in a range of colors for $ 99. The Air Hanger is available on Etsy for $ 34.95.