Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.
Joneskaa
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

AirPods physically burn anyone else?

My left AirPod burned my ear while I was wearing it. When I took it out, it was hot and looked like the photo. I don’t use my AirPods that often. The right one and the charging case are both completely fine.


I sent Apple pictures and spoke with their safety department, but I felt like they brushed it off. They told me that since I bought them 13 months ago, I’m a month outside the warranty and it would cost $70 to replace just the left AirPod.


Has this happened to anyone else? If so, how did Apple handle it for you? I don't feel safe using it again.

Posted on Nov 2, 2026 3:28 PM

3 replies

tillu_code
User level: Level 4 (2,112 points)

Nov 4, 2026 8:53 PM in response to Joneskaa

That sounds like a real safety issue, not just a warranty one. I'd keep the AirPod unplugged and unused, keep the photos and your case number, and ask Apple Support to escalate it to a senior advisor, mentioning the burn. Also consider contacting Consumer Product Safety if you're in the US.

Carol B.
User level: Level 7 (22,975 points)

Nov 2, 2026 3:48 PM in response to Joneskaa

This is the first time I've ever heard of this and I've been answering questions in these forums for several years. Just so you know, Surveys are against TOS. It's too bad your pods are out of warranty. But it should be fine to go ahead and get that replacement. Just my personal opinion, one Apple user to another. And a long time AirPod user.

Mac Jim ID
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)

Nov 2, 2026 3:57 PM in response to Joneskaa

No, never seen that in my experience through 4 different AirPod models over the last 8 years. In any case, you absolutely should not be using that AirPod any longer. It has failed for whatever reason that could be. With any device failures, it is the AppleCare warranty that gives you the replacement insurance included for free the first year, and for longer protections it would require you to purchase that additional plan.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256387828