AirPods Max is the Apple Way for Fully Fledged Over-the-Ear Headphones

Apple has finally launched its own headphones – the AirPods Max. The new headphones feature a new H1 chip that has 10 audio cores. These chips, coupled with a custom acoustic design and advanced software to power computational audio for a breakthrough listening experience with Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and spatial audio.

AirPods Max features a breathable knit mesh canopy, distributing weight to reduce on-head pressure. It comes in silver, space grey, sky blue, pink, and green. The design of the headband is rather unconventional but it should be comfortable. It is made up of stainless steel and provides strength, flexibility, and comfort for a wide variety of head shapes and sizes.

There’s also a Digital Crown, just like the Apple Watch. It lets users control volume, play or pause audio, skip tracks, answer or end phone calls, and activate Siri. The headphones have features like Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio, and more.

The drivers on these ones are 40mm and provide rich, deep bass, accurate mid-range, and crisp, clean high-frequency sounds. There’s a unique dual neodymium ring magnet motor that allows AirPods Max to maintain total harmonic distortion of less than 1 percent across the entire audible range, even at maximum volume.

Apple claims that the headphones can provide up to 20 hours of playback. The included Smart Case puts them in an ultra low power state that helps to preserve battery charge when not in use. AirPods Max are available to order starting today for $549 (US) from apple.com and in the Apple Store app in the US and more than 25 other countries and regions. They will start shipping on Tuesday, December 15.