Apple just announced its highly-rumored over-the-head headphones dubbed AirPods Max via a press release.
These cost $549 and are available starting today, first shipping on December 15. The new AirPods Max headphones share some of the same features as the AirPods Pro: Active Noise Cancelation, Transparency Modes, instant pairing with Apple devices, Spatial Audio, and more.
The new over-the-head headphones automatically play or pause music when you take them off your ears.
Apple says that the “AirPods Max feature great battery life with up to 20 hours of high-fidelity audio, talk time, or movie playback with Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio enabled.“
These also ship with a soft, slim smart case that puts you AirPods Max headphones in an ultra-low power state, thereby preserving the battery when not in use.
Apple also says that AirPods Max requires them to be paired with Apple devices on iOS 14.3 or later, iPadOS 14.3 or later, macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later, watchOS 7.2 or later, or tvOS 14.3 or later.
The new AirPods also feature Adaptive EQ offering a better sound quality depending on the fit and seal of the cushions. Apart from that, “equipped with an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup, a custom acoustic design, and advanced software, AirPods Max use computational audio to deliver the highest-quality listening experience possible,” according to Apple.
Here’s how Apple describes the AirPods Max’s design:
From the canopy to the ear cushions, every part of AirPods Max is carefully crafted to provide exceptional acoustic performance for each user. The breathable knit mesh canopy, spanning the headband, is made to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure. The stainless steel headband frame provides strength, flexibility, and comfort for a wide variety of head shapes and sizes. Telescoping headband arms smoothly extend and stay in place to maintain the desired fit.
Each ear cup attaches to the headband through a revolutionary mechanism that balances and distributes ear cup pressure, and allows it to independently pivot and rotate to fit the unique contours of a user’s head. Each ear cushion uses acoustically engineered memory foam to create an effective seal — a critical factor in delivering immersive sound. The Digital Crown, inspired by Apple Watch, offers precise volume control and the ability to play or pause audio, skip tracks, answer or end phone calls, and activate Siri.
The AirPods Max come in five colors including silver, space gray, sky blue, pink, and green.
Let us know your thoughts on Apple’s new headphones and if you’re gonna buy them, in the comments section below.
