Apple Releases AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Priced At US$549
Apple has officially announced its first over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. It promises active noise cancellation and spatial audio, as well as a distinctive design that the Cupertino firm says should be more comfortable for extended listening.
That headband which Apple refers to as the “canopy” is made of a knit mesh fabric, which is said to be more comfortable, breathable, and distributes weight better to reduce on-head pressure. Each cup rotates and pivots independently, and is said to be equipped with “acoustically engineered memory foam” for better noise cancellation.
There’s a Digital Crown on one side, which can be used to adjust volume, play or pause music, answer and end phone calls, skip through tracks, and trigger Siri. A noise control button alongside it, meanwhile, switches between the Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes.
Apple says that the AirPods Max feature a 40-mm Apple-designed dynamic driver that provides rich, deep bass, accurate mid-ranges, and crisp, clean high-frequency extension so every note can be heard.
With the H1 chipset, there’s Audio Sharing and automatic switching, plus up to 20 hours of battery life with both ANC and spatial audio switched on.
The headphones come with a Smart Case that puts them into an ultraslow power state when you’re not using them, as well as to charge them via Lightning. 5 minutes of charging is good for around 1.5 hours of listening time.
Apple will have five colour options: silver, space grey, sky blue, pink, and green.
The device costs US$549 and they ship in the US and 25+ other locations from December 15th. They’re available to preorder from today.