Apple has just announced the AirPods Max, its first active noise reduction headphones. This new device recharges in a dedicated box and promises up to 20 hours of battery life.
In an announcement via a press release, Apple introduces this new product in its catalog. The AirPods Max prides itself on delivering hi-fi (high fidelity) sound, active noise reduction and adaptive equalization.
LOTS OF MICROPHONES AND A ROTATING RING
For an ultimate noise reduction, AirPods Max comes with a total of nine microphones: six for active noise reduction only, one for voice detection only, and two more to do both. There’s also an Apple H1 chip in each headset ear cup.
In addition, the AirPods Max are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, but Apple has not communicated on compatible audio codecs. Given the brand’s history, and the fact that iPhones are only compatible with AAC and SBC, it’s reasonable to assume that AirPods Max won’t be aptX or LDAC compatible.
Concerning the design, Apple opts for a circum-aural format that encompasses the ears for even more effective isolation. As for AirPods Max dimensions, count: 168.6 x 187.3 x 83.4 mm. On the scale, the product displays almost 385 grams.
The headphones also have a button to switch from noise reduction mode to transparency mode, but it is especially the rotating ring that we notice. This “Digital Crown”, located at the top of the headset, is reminiscent of that of the Apple Watch and indeed allows you to perform several actions: volume adjustment, play/pause a song, take a call, go to the next song, come back back and activate Siri. You just need to turn it or push it down.
TO CHARGE VIA A SMART CASE
For battery life, Apple claims 20 hours of listening time with active noise reduction engaged. According to the brand, five minutes of recharging allows the AirPods Max to last about an hour and a half. Also, the headset can be recharged via the Smart Case delivered in the same box.
This Smart Case comes in the form of a small bag and has a Lightning port. By plugging in this storage case and storing the headphones in, you can charge the AirPods Max. Sadly, the headset does not have a jack for use in passive mode, wired and with noise reduction in case of battery failure.
Note that, like Apple’s true wireless headphones, the headset promises easy pairing with the iPhone, with just a click.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY OF THE AIRPODS MAX
The Apple website displays AirPods Max at $549.00 and offers free customization to engrave emoji, text or numbers on your copy. As for availability, deliveries begin Tuesday, December 15 in several countries.
The Smart Case and a Lightning-C to USB cable are provided with the headset. While five colors are available for the headset: space gray, silver, green, sky blue and pink.
Source: Apple