What is IPX Rating?

For consumer electronics like headphones and smartphones, the IP (Ingress Protection)  rating provides insight into how well the device can withstand environmental factors like dust, sand, and water. The rating is denoted as "IP" followed by two digits.

First Digit: Solid Particle Protection

1. IP0X: No protection against solid objects.
2. IP1X: Protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm (e.g., accidental touch by hands).
3. IP2X: Protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm (e.g., fingers).
4. IP3X: Protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm (e.g., tools and thick wires).
5. IP4X: Protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm (e.g., most wires, screws).
6. IP5X: Dust protected. Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment.
7. IP6X: Dust tight. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact.

Second Digit: Liquid Ingress Protection

1. IPX0: No protection against water.
2. IPX1: Protection against vertically falling water drops, like light rain.
3. IPX2: Protection against water drops when tilted up to 15 degrees.
4. IPX3: Protection against water sprayed up to 60 degrees from vertical.
5. IPX4: Protection against water splashes from any direction.
6. IPX5: Protection against water jets (12.5 liters per minute) from any direction.
7. IPX6: Protection against powerful water jets (100 liters per minute) from any direction.
8. IPX7: Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes).
9. IPX8: Protection against continuous immersion in water at a depth specified by the manufacturer, usually more than 1 meter.
10. IPX9: Protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

An IP rating of IP68 means:

• 6: Dust tight, offering complete protection against dust ingress.
• 8: The device can be continuously submerged in water beyond 1 meter, with the exact conditions (like depth and duration) specified by the manufacturer.

AirPods Max and IPX Rating

• No Water or Dust Resistance Rating: The AirPods Max are not designed with waterproof or water-resistant features. Unlike many of Apple's other products, such as the latest iPhones or the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max do not possess a public IP durability rating, making them susceptible to liquid damage
• Apple's Stance on Moisture Exposure: Apple specifically advises against exposing AirPods Max to any moisture. This recommendation indicates that even activities that might lead to sweating, like using them at the gym, could potentially harm the headphones. The tight seal on the AirPods Max's ear cups can lead to sweat condensation inside, which further underscores the importance of keeping them dry

While the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) extend their water resistance to their charging case, and most Apple AirPods available in stores have some form of water resistance, the AirPods Max stand out as having no IP rating whatsoever. This absence suggests that they are not intended for use in environments where they might come into contact with water or dust