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Introducing the Apple AirPods Max – a set of over-ear headphones that combine premium sound quality, sleek design, and cutting-edge technology to offer a top-of-the-line audio experience. These headphones have quickly become a popular choice among audiophiles and casual listeners alike, thanks to their exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, and intuitive features. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the AirPods Max, exploring everything from their design and build quality to their performance and overall value for money. Whether you’re a music lover, a podcast enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to immerse themselves in a world of high-quality audio, the Apple AirPods Max might just be the headphones for you.
Apple AirPods Max product information:
History
Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, is known for its innovative technology products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and various accessories. The Apple AirPods Max is one of the company’s over-ear headphone models, offering a blend of comfort, audio quality, and active noise cancellation (ANC). Here’s a brief history of the origin and creation of these headphones:
- Apple’s Entry into Audio: Apple’s journey into the audio industry began with the introduction of the iPod in 2001, which revolutionized the way people listened to music. The company continued to innovate in the audio space, introducing the first-generation Apple EarPods in 2012, which were bundled with iPhones and iPods.
- Apple’s Acquisition of Beats: In 2014, Apple acquired Beats Electronics, a leading audio brand co-founded by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, for $3 billion. This acquisition laid the groundwork for Apple’s deeper foray into the audio market, with the integration of Beats technology into Apple’s product lineup.
- Introduction of AirPods: In 2016, Apple introduced the AirPods, a pair of true wireless earbuds designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, offering excellent sound quality, comfort, and convenience. The AirPods gained immense popularity, leading to the release of the AirPods Pro in 2019, which featured active noise cancellation and improved sound quality.
- Development of AirPods Max: Building on the success of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple began developing its first over-ear headphones under the AirPods brand. The company aimed to create a premium product that combined high-quality audio, advanced noise cancellation, and a comfortable design, while maintaining the seamless integration with Apple devices that AirPods users had come to expect.
- Release of AirPods Max: In December 2020, Apple unveiled the AirPods Max, featuring a unique design with a stainless steel frame, mesh fabric headband, and memory foam ear cushions for comfort. The headphones incorporated custom-designed dynamic drivers for exceptional audio quality, Apple’s H1 chips for advanced audio processing, and an adaptive equalizer that adjusted the sound in real-time based on the fit and seal of the ear cushions. The AirPods Max also offered advanced active noise cancellation, a transparency mode for hearing the environment, and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience.
The Apple AirPods Max represents the company’s dedication to providing high-quality audio products that cater to a wide range of users. By building on the success of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, and leveraging the expertise gained from the acquisition of Beats Electronics, Apple has created a premium over-ear headphone that delivers exceptional audio quality, comfort, and advanced features for users across various platforms.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2020 |
| Company | Apple |
| Official Website | https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/ |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches (18.7 x 16.87 x 8.33 cm) |
| Item Weight | 13.6 ounces (384.8 grams) |
| Special Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Spatial audio, Siri integration |
| Driver size | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20,000Hz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 800 feet (244 meters) |
| ANC modes | Standard ANC, Transparency mode, Off |
| Audio codec | AAC, SBC |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial audio enabled |
| Charging time | 2 hours for a full charge |
| Quick charging | 5 minutes for 1.5 hours of listening time |
| Controls | Digital Crown, Noise control button, Siri button |
| Apple Airpods Max price | $549 |
What is included in the delivery set?
The Apple AirPods Max headphones come with a few items in the delivery set, including:
- AirPods Max headphones
- Smart Case – a soft, slim case that protects the headphones when not in use
- Lightning to USB-C cable – for charging the headphones
- Documentation – including a quick start guide and warranty information
It’s worth noting that the delivery set does not include a power adapter, so you’ll need to use your own or purchase one separately if you don’t already have one.
What about design, materials, assembly?
The Apple AirPods Max headphones have a sleek and modern design that’s typical of Apple’s products. The headphones have a premium look and feel, with a sturdy metal frame that’s covered in a soft-touch material. The ear cups and headband are made from a breathable mesh material that’s comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The ear cups are attached to the headband using a unique mechanism that allows them to rotate independently, which helps to ensure a comfortable fit for different head shapes and sizes. The ear cups also have a magnetic attachment system that makes it easy to remove and replace them.
The assembly of the AirPods Max is done to a high standard, with no visible seams or gaps. The metal frame and ear cups feel sturdy and well-constructed, and the buttons and controls are all responsive and easy to use.
Overall, the design, materials, and assembly of the AirPods Max are all of high quality, and they feel like a premium product. The attention to detail in the design and construction of these headphones is impressive, and they’re sure to appeal to those who appreciate a well-crafted and stylish product.
What about ergonomics and usability Apple AirPods Max?
The Apple AirPods Max are designed with ergonomics and usability in mind, and they offer a comfortable and intuitive user experience.
The headphones have a lightweight and well-balanced design, with plush ear cups and a padded headband that distributes the weight of the headphones evenly across your head. The ear cups are also designed to fit over a wide range of head sizes, and they provide a good seal around your ears to help block out external noise.
The AirPods Max are easy to use, thanks to a range of intuitive controls. The headphones feature a Digital Crown on the top of the right ear cup that you can use to control volume, skip tracks, and activate Siri. There’s also a Noise Control button on the top of the left ear cup that you can use to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode.
In terms of connectivity, the AirPods Max use Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to your devices, and they offer a range of up to 800 feet (244 meters). The headphones also support automatic device switching, so you can easily switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without having to manually connect each time.
Overall, the ergonomics and usability of the Apple AirPods Max are impressive, and they offer a comfortable and intuitive user experience that makes them a pleasure to use.
What about connection, control and software?
The Apple AirPods Max connect to your devices using Bluetooth 5.0, and they offer seamless and reliable connectivity. The headphones support automatic device switching, so you can easily switch between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac without having to manually connect each time.
The AirPods Max offer a range of intuitive controls that make it easy to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and activate Siri. The headphones feature a Digital Crown on the top of the right ear cup that you can use to control volume, skip tracks, and activate Siri. There’s also a Noise Control button on the top of the left ear cup that you can use to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode.
In terms of software, the AirPods Max work seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, and they offer a range of advanced features that are accessible through the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. For example, you can use the Spatial Audio feature to create a surround sound experience, or the Adaptive EQ feature to automatically adjust the sound based on the fit and seal of the headphones.
There are also a range of third-party apps available on the App Store and Google Play that offer additional features and customization options for the AirPods Max. Some popular apps include:
- AirBattery (Android) – shows the battery level of your AirPods Max and case on your Android device
- AirVolume (iOS) – allows you to customize the Digital Crown controls on your AirPods Max
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones (iOS) – offers a range of ambient soundscapes to listen to while wearing your AirPods Max
Overall, the connection, control, and software features of the Apple AirPods Max are impressive, and they offer a seamless and intuitive user experience that’s sure to appeal to Apple fans.
How’s the sound quality?
The sound quality of the Apple AirPods Max is exceptional, and they offer a rich and detailed listening experience that’s sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
The headphones feature a 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver that delivers clear and detailed sound across the entire frequency range. The bass is deep and powerful, while the mids and highs are well-balanced and crisp. The AirPods Max also support Spatial Audio, which uses dynamic head tracking to create a more immersive, surround sound experience.
The AirPods Max also feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which uses advanced algorithms to block out external noise and create a more focused listening experience. The ANC works very well, effectively blocking out most external noise, even in noisy environments like airports or busy streets. The Transparency mode is also a useful feature that allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music.
The AirPods Max also support a range of audio codecs, including AAC and SBC, which help to ensure high-quality audio playback even over Bluetooth. The headphones also support Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts the sound based on the fit and seal of the headphones, to ensure the best possible sound quality.
Overall, the sound quality of the Apple AirPods Max is excellent, and they offer a rich and detailed listening experience that’s sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
What about the energy efficiency and battery life?
The Apple AirPods Max are designed to be energy efficient, and they offer a long battery life that makes them ideal for extended listening sessions.
The headphones feature a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled. The battery life can be extended up to 24 hours if ANC and Spatial Audio are disabled. The headphones also support quick charging, with 5 minutes of charging providing up to 1.5 hours of listening time.
The AirPods Max also feature an energy-saving mode that automatically puts the headphones into a low-power state when they’re not in use. The headphones will enter this mode after 5 minutes of inactivity, and they can remain in this state for up to 18 hours.
The AirPods Max are charged using a Lightning to USB-C cable, which is included in the delivery set. The charging time for a full charge is around 2 hours.
Overall, the energy efficiency and battery life of the Apple AirPods Max are impressive, and they offer a long-lasting and convenient listening experience that’s sure to appeal to users who value battery life and energy efficiency.
Comparison & Review:
What are similar headphones in features and cost?
- Sony WH-1000XM4 – These over-ear headphones offer advanced noise cancellation, up to 30 hours of battery life, and support for high-quality audio codecs like LDAC. They cost around $350.
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 – These over-ear headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, up to 20 hours of battery life, and support for Alexa and Google Assistant. They cost around $379.
- Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – These over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a stylish design. They have a battery life of up to 17 hours and cost around $400.
- Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless – These over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and up to 30 hours of battery life. They cost around $399.
- Master & Dynamic MW65 – These over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and up to 24 hours of battery life. They have a stylish design and cost around $499.
All of these headphones offer similar features to the Apple AirPods Max, including active noise cancellation, support for high-quality audio codecs, and long battery life. However, each of these options has its own unique design, sound signature, and feature set, so it’s worth considering what’s most important to you before making a decision.
Compare with similar items
| Specification | Apple AirPods Max | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Manufacture | 2020 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Company | Apple | Sony | Bose |
| Official Website | Apple.Com | Sony.Com | Bose.Com |
| Fit Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Item Dimensions | 7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 inches (18.7 x 16.87 x 8.33 cm) | 7.27 x 3.03 x 9.94 inches (18.4 x 7.7 x 25.2 cm) | 8 x 6.5 x 2 inches (20.3 x 16.5 x 5.1 cm) |
| Item Weight | 13.6 ounces (384.8 grams) | 8.95 ounces (254 grams) | 8.8 ounces (249.5 grams) |
| Special Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Spatial audio, Siri integration | Advanced noise cancellation, Speak-to-Chat, Multi-point connection, LDAC support | Advanced noise cancellation, Conversation mode, Alexa/Google Assistant support |
| Driver size | 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 40mm | Not specified |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20,000Hz | 4Hz to 40,000Hz | Not specified |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 47 ohms | Not specified |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 800 feet (244 meters) | Up to 30 feet (10 meters) | Not specified |
| ANC modes | Standard ANC, Transparency mode, Off | Standard ANC, Ambient mode, Off | Standard ANC, Conversation mode, Off |
| Audio codec | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC | Not specified |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial audio enabled | Up to 30 hours with ANC enabled | Up to 20 hours with ANC enabled |
| Charging time | 2 hours for a full charge | 3 hours for a full charge | 2.5 hours for a full charge |
| Quick charging | 5 minutes for 1.5 hours of listening time | 10 minutes for 5 hours of listening time | 15 minutes for 3.5 hours of listening time |
| Controls | Digital Crown, Noise control button, Siri button | Touch controls, Voice assistant button, Customizable button | Touch controls, Voice assistant button |
| Price | $549 | $349 | $379 |
How do Apple AirPods Max users describe their experience with these headphones?
Based on user reviews and feedback, the Apple AirPods Max are generally well-regarded, with many users praising their sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. Here are some common themes from user reviews:
- Sound quality: Many users report that the sound quality of the AirPods Max is exceptional, with clear and detailed sound across the entire frequency range. The bass is described as powerful and impactful, while the mids and highs are well-balanced and crisp.
- Comfort: The AirPods Max are praised for their comfortable fit, with many users reporting that they can wear the headphones for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or fatigue. The ear cups are described as plush and breathable, while the headband is well-padded and distributes the weight of the headphones evenly across the head.
- Ease of use: The AirPods Max are praised for their intuitive controls, with many users finding the Digital Crown and Noise Control button easy to use and responsive. The headphones also offer seamless connectivity with Apple devices, and the automatic device switching feature is appreciated by many users.
- Design and construction: The AirPods Max are praised for their sleek and modern design, with many users describing them as stylish and well-constructed. The headphones are also noted for their durability, with the metal frame and ear cups feeling sturdy and well-made.
- Price: Some users have expressed concern about the high price of the AirPods Max, with many noting that there are other headphones on the market that offer similar features and sound quality at a lower price point.
Overall, users of the Apple AirPods Max seem to be generally satisfied with their experience, with many praising the headphones for their sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. However, the high price point is a consideration for some users, and may be a barrier for those looking for more affordable options.
Conclusions
The Apple AirPods Max are over-ear headphones that offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and ease of use. They feature a sleek and modern design, with a metal frame and breathable mesh ear cups and headband. The headphones offer active noise cancellation, support for high-quality audio codecs, and seamless connectivity with Apple devices. The intuitive controls, including the Digital Crown and Noise Control button, make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, and activate Siri. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled, and the headphones support quick charging. The AirPods Max are well-regarded by users for their sound quality, comfort, and ease of use, although the high price point may be a consideration for some.
Our Review
Apple AirPods Max Basic questions, basic answers:
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Are AirPods Max 2 coming out?
No news at the time of writing (March 2023). We, too, are waiting Apple AirPods Max 2
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What is the point of AirPods Max?
The point of the Apple AirPods Max is to provide a premium and high-quality listening experience. They offer exceptional sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation, creating an immersive listening experience like no other. They are designed to seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices, making it easy to switch between devices and access Siri voice commands. The AirPods Max are also designed with convenience in mind, with an intuitive and responsive control system that makes it easy to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and activate Siri. Overall, the AirPods Max are aimed at people who prioritize high-quality sound and comfort in their headphones and want a premium listening experience.
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Can AirPods Max answer calls?
Yes, the Apple AirPods Max can be used to answer phone calls. The headphones feature an array of microphones that can be used for phone calls and Siri voice commands, and the controls on the ear cups make it easy to answer and end calls. When a call comes in, you can simply press the Digital Crown on the right ear cup to answer the call, and press it again to end the call. You can also use the Noise Control button on the left ear cup to switch between noise cancellation and Transparency mode during a call, depending on your environment and preferences.
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What type of protection is available for the Apple AirPods Max, and is there an Apple AirPods Max case available to purchase separately?
Yes, there is an official Apple AirPods Max case available for purchase separately. The case is designed to protect the headphones from scratches and damage during transport and storage. It features a soft, microfiber lining to prevent scratches and a slim, compact design that fits the AirPods Max snugly. The case also includes a convenient magnetic closure that keeps the headphones securely in place while inside the case.
Last Updated on September 20, 2023
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