Apple launches AirPods Max, costs more than an iPhone
Apple’s widely popular and trend-setting wireless AirPods line up is getting a fancy big brother in the form of the new AirPods Max, a pair of shiny, noise-cancelling and minimalist over-the-ear headphones that’s on the pricey side.
Ear accessories aren’t supposed to cost more than the smartphone they’ll be paired with right? Well, not according to Apple.
The new AirPods Max cost $549 in the US or P32,990 on the Apple PH website. Yes, that’s not a typo, it really costs that much.
For that amount of money, you can buy a brand-new 64gb iPhone SE ($400 or P26,490) and you'd still have a bit of money left for a magnetic charger to USB cable (P1,890) and a few more iPhone cases.
Features
Earlier this week, the Cupertino, California-based company unveiled AirPods Max that offers high-fidelity audio, Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, and Spatial Audio. At the heart of the headphones are a pair of 40mm Apple-designed dynamic drivers, driven by powerful H1 chips and advanced software.
Apple calls it “a perfect balance of exhilarating high-fidelity audio and the effortless magic of AirPods.”
Apple claims that the internal battery can power the headphones for up to 20 hours of continuous high-fidelity audio, talk-time or movie playback with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. The entire unit weighs in at only 13 ounces or 384.8 grams.
Look and build quality
Just like everything Apple, the AirPods Max’s clean and fresh design adheres to strict minimalism that even audiophiles will approve of.
A breathable knit mesh canopy spans the headband, designed to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure. The stainless steel headband frame provides strength, flexibility, and comfort that fits a wide variety of head shapes and sizes. Telescoping headband arms smoothly extend and stay in place, while the ear cups feature free-moving, rotating joints that maintain the desired fit. Each ear cushion uses acoustically engineered memory foam to create an effective seal.
To play or pause audio, skip tracks, answer/end phone calls, and activate Siri, users can adjust via the Digital Crown, inspired by the Apple Watch.
AirPods Max are available in five colors: space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink. Inside each box are the AirPods Max unit itself, a soft-slim Smart Case and Lightning to USB-C cable.
At the time this article is being written, the Apple PH website lists the AirPods Max at P32,990 but it's not yet available for purchase. No details were posted about local availability.