FEED YOUR MIND. FEAST YOUR EYES.
AirPods Max arrive
Apple’s first over–ear headphones
BY ALEX SUMMERSBY
APPLE
HAS INTRODUCED AirPods Max, its first over–ear headphones, at $549. There are top–quality rivals available for much less but, in addition to promising premium acoustic performance, AirPods Max offers features you won’t find on most non–Apple headphones, such as Spatial Audio, Automatic Switching, and Audio Sharing. (The exception is Beats, which Apple acquired for $3bn in 2014, but this is a more premium product than anything Beats currently offers.)
The distinctive design of the AirPods Max has divided opinion, but Apple says every part is designed for an uncompromising fit that creates the optimal acoustic seal for many different head shapes. The breathable knit mesh canopy distributes weight to reduce on–head pressure, the stainless steel frame is wrapped in a soft–touch material, and the telescoping arms stay in place to maintain the desired fit. The anodized aluminum cups attach with a “revolutionary” mechanism that allows each cup to pivot and rotate independently to fit the unique contours of the user’s head as well as balance and distribute ear cup pressure. The ear cushions are “crafted with acoustically engineered memory foam” to create an effective seal — a critical factor in delivering immersive sound.