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The Apple AirPods Studio was finally officially introduced, under the name AirPods Max, Apple wants to address the hi-fi group that is willing to spend up to $550 on headphones. Apple is packing a lot of features into the advanced over ear headphones, including ANC, 3D audio, and a “perfect” fit.
The Apple AirPods Max are the first over-ear headphones to be sold under the Apple brand. Apple is not entering the 300 to 400 bucks price range as expected, but directly in the high-end segment. In order to justify the high price, Apple promises real hi-fi sound – the drivers were specially developed for the AirPods Max, two neodymium ring magnets should ensure minimal distortion in the entire frequency range.
The headphones use an H1 chip in each auricle, which should enable “computational audio” – according to Apple, this ensures a “revolutionary listening experience”. Exciting: The sound can be dynamically adapted to the fit of the ear pads so that the sound quality should be optimal under all circumstances. Apple calls this feature Adaptive EQ, with inward-facing microphones the playback is controlled and dynamically adjusted so that all notes can be reproduced as faithfully as possible.
In addition, the manufacturer promises an “industry-leading” active noise cancelling (ANC) including transparency mode. Just like the AirPods Pro (starts from $199 on Amazon), the AirPods Max also supports Apple’s 3D Audio, a kind of virtual surround sound in which gyroscopes and acceleration sensors are used to adjust the position of the virtual audio sources to the movements of the head.
Just like the AirPods, the AirPods Max automatically recognizes when they are removed to pause playback; pairing with Apple devices works practically automatically. Apple’s voice assistant can be activated at any time via “Hey Siri”. The battery lasts up to 20 hours when using ANC and 3D audio, and is charged via Lightning.
Also exciting: the playback and volume can be controlled via a digital crown, which is based on that of the Apple Watch. Together with the AirPods Max, Apple has also presented a Smart Case that looks a bit idiosyncratic but is included in the scope of delivery.
Apple AirPods Max price and availability
The Apple AirPods Max is now available on the Bhphotovideo.com and Bestbuy.com websites in Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink colors for a recommended retail price of $549.
The Bhphotovideo store has also made available the AppleCare+ for AirPods Max, the warranty extension for two years costs $59. After all, in contrast to the regular guarantee, it also repairs unintentional damage at a cost of a manageable $29; the company has not yet commented on the costs of other repairs without AppleCare+.
