About the WH-1000XM5 Headphones Hinge Rotation

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Why do my Headphones swivel?

Headphone swivel typically refers to the ability of headphone earcups to rotate or swivel. The primary purpose of swivelling earcups is to enhance the comfort and fit of your headphones. When you wear them, especially for extended periods, it's important that they comfortably match the shape of your head and ears for a secure and pleasant fit. Swivelling earcups are also convenient for storage and portability. When not in use, you can rotate the earcups to make the headphones more compact and easier to store in their protective case.

The WH-1000XM5 Headphones hinges smoothly rotate inwards to match the unique case shape (left cup on left-hand side, right cup on right-hand side): 

Feeling the resistance

However, if you rotate the earcups in the opposite way of the case shape, you will feel resistance. This resistance point indicates you should not use further excess force to push the earcups in that direction. 

Suppose you should cause the earcups to go beyond the resistance point. In that case, the headphone earcups will overstretch their rotation, causing a potential 360-degree rotation, resulting in weaknesses that may lead to internal cable damage or loose hinges. Overstretching the earcups will not necessarily cause a noise cue, so always make sure you respect the resistance boundaries of your headphones. 

Your headphone case, the safest space

The best way to protect your headphones is to store them in the supplied protective case. The case ensures your headphones are folded correctly and offers solid protection against external pressures and the elements.