Apple has finally launched it’s first over-the-ear wireless headphones today. Named AirPods Max, the headphones come with a premium price tag and features like (Active Noise Cancellation)ANC, high-fidelity audio, and more.
AirPods Max – Price, Availability
Addressing the elephant in the room, Apple’s AirPods Max comes in five colors- space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink. It will be available in the US and 25 other countries(incl. India, China). You can look at the US, China, India Pricing below:
- China- 4,399 yuan
- India-₹59,900
- USA-$549
The AirPods Max is available for pre-order starting today(December 8) and will go on sale from December 15.
Design
The AirPods Max takes a slightly different approach to the wireless headphones category. It has a breathable knit mesh on the top that rests on the head of the users. Apple says the canopy(ornamental cloth) will reduce the pressure and distribute the weight of headphones well. Additionally, the frame of the headphone is made of stainless steel for strength and comfort.
Besides, the telescoping arms are meant for flexibility and fitting across different sizes. The headphones also have memory foam cushions, a Digital crown for volume control, play/pause music, answer/skip calls, activate Siri. There is also a button for switching between ANC and Transparency mode.
EDITOR’S PICK: Apple AirPods 3 reportedly set to launch in March next year
Audio
Apple says the AirPods Max has a 40mm dynamic driver designed by the company for high-fidelity audio. There is also a dual neodymium ring magnet motor for THD<1(Total Harmonic Distortion). To control them optimally, Apple has used an H1 chip (which is also present on the AirPods 2) in each earcup. The company says that AirPods Max is capable of computational audio with an H1 chip, acoustic design, and software.
Accordingly, the audio features include an Adaptive EQ, ANC, Transparency Mode, and spatial audio. Adaptive EQ measures sound signals and adjust it according to the earbuds in real-time. ANC, as you all know is for canceling out the background noise. There are 3xmicrophones outside and 1xmicrophone inside the earcup for managing environmental noise.
Further, the Transparency mode is just like an ambient mode that allows users to know what’s happening around. Apple says it uses Gyroscope and Accelerometer to track the user’s head movement and map audio for a theatre-like experience(for 5.1, 7.1, Dolby Atmos content) with Spatial audio.
Features
Just like the AirPods earphones, AirPods Max headphones also support a one-tap setup, automatic pairing with Apple devices. Plus, it has wear detection where it can play/pause music when the user lifts an ear cup. Regarding battery life, AirPods Max is claimed to give 20hrs of audio/call/movie playback in one charge.
Other features include automatic switching to seamlessly switch between Apple devices, Audio Sharing to share audio stream between two sets of AirPods on iPhone/iPad/Mac, and accessing Siri for music, calls, navigations, and more. Not to mention the AirPods Max also comes with a Smart Case in the box to save battery when not in use.
