Overview

• Reddit posts describe painful rubbing, open sores, and possible blood on earbuds after several days of wear.
• The complaints point to the infrared heart-rate sensor area, which slightly widens the housing near the tragus and can create a friction point.
• Photos shared by users show apparent bloodstains next to the black sensor cover on the white earbud casing.
• Other users report skin irritation without bleeding, and some plan to seek exchanges at Apple Stores.
• The model launched in September with five ear tip sizes and a fit marketed as more comfortable, but smaller tips may not address irritation caused by the sensor’s placement.