Apple has announced AirPods Max wireless headphones with a unique and beautiful design powered by the same technology that is behind the AirPods. It features an H1 chip, custom acoustic design, and computational audio with Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and spatial audio. The headphones are also available in multiple colors, to suit various tastes and styles.
These $549 high-end headphones were announced by Apple today through a press release and are also available to order today, with shipping starting from Tuesday, December 15.
AirPods Max launch with over-ear design and high-fidelity audio and more for $549
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said in a statement:
“AirPods are the most popular headphones in the world, beloved for their effortless setup, incredible sound quality, and iconic design. With AirPods Max, we are bringing that magical AirPods experience to a stunning over-ear design with high-fidelity audio. The custom acoustic design, combined with powerful H1 chips, and advanced software enable AirPods Max to use computational audio to wirelessly deliver the ultimate personal listening experience.”
Performance
AirPods Max feature 40-mm custom-designed drivers by Apple that provide “rich and deep bass, accurate mid-ranges, and crips, clean high-frequency”. A dual neodymium ring magnet motor allows for total harmonic distortion of less than 1 percent, even at maximum volume, which ensures complete clarity at all volume levels. The chip is also powered by Apple’s own H1 chip, which allows for computational audio thanks to 10 audio cores in each ear cup. Just like AirPods Pro, the new AirPods Max feature Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Adaptive EQ, and spatial audio to further improve the listening experience. Thanks to the H1 chip, AirPods Max also support automatic switching between Apple devices, Audio Sharing with other H1 powered headphones, hands-free Hey Siri, and Announce Messages with Siri.
Design
Apple has carefully created a completely unique design to provide the best acoustic performance possible. It has a breathable knit mesh pattern on the ear cups and the stainless steel headband, to keep the complete unit lightweight, and work comfortably with all head shapes and sizes. The headband arms are flexible to be pulled apart and easily maintain a fit for any head size.
The ear cups are connected via a mechanism that allows them to easily move and adjust to the wearer’s ears while reducing ear pressure. The ear cups feature soft ear cushions that not only provide comfort, but also create a seal that allows for immersive sound, and help with noise isolation. Apple has also added Apple Watch controls to the AirPods Max: the Digital Crown can be used to change volume, play or pause music, change tracks, answer calls, and use Siri. The noise control button can be used to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.
AirPods Max also feature optical and positional sensors that can detect when a user is wearing them. They can turn on or off, or pause music accordingly. They can even pause music when a user lifts an ear cup, which is a natural gesture for when you want to pause audio and listen to someone. Apple has also included beam-forming microphones to allow for crisp audio calls.
Battery
In terms of battery, AirPods Max will last up to 20 hours of high-quality audio, talk time, or video playback with both Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio enabled. Whether they will last longer with Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio disabled is unclear.
AirPods Max will be available in five colors: silver, pink, green, sky blue, and space grey.
They will also come with a soft, slim Smart Case, that preserves AirPods Max battery power when it is not in use.
AirPods Max are available to order today in the United States and 25 other countries, for $549. Shipping will begin on Tuesday, December 15.
21 comments