On Tuesday, Apple unveiled the AirPods Max, the over-the-ear version of their ultra-popular AirPods. Also wireless, the AirPods Max makes big promises on function, with a hefty price tag attached. The internet predictably had a lot of thoughts on Apple’s latest launch. But first, here are all the details on the new AirPods Max.
The first thing to note about these headphones is the price. At $549, they cost more than the latest Xbox or PS5. For comparison, the latest Beats over-the-ear headphones sell for around $350. This price point puts Apple’s latest headphones at the absolute top of the market when it comes to the price point. It may very well make this product inaccessible for many. The price also sparked a great deal of ire from consumers on social media.
Apple is, however, promising some great things for the price. These headphones are noise-canceling with 20 hours of battery life after just one charge. Apple is also promising an unparalleled audio quality.
AirPods Max are available in 5 colors: space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink. While they come in a variety of appealing colors, the headphones themselves are not particularly aesthetically pleasing. They look clunky and technical, almost like professional headsets. They certainly do not look as good as their existing cousins, the Beats.
Speaking of Beats, after the launch, consumers pointed out that Apple is seemingly competing with itself. They own Beats by Dre and therefore already sell a successful line of over-the-ear headphones. Although the Beats may not have comparable audio quality, although that has yet to be seen in a side-by-side review, they are almost $200 cheaper and look far less dorky and technical.
If your interest is piqued, the AirPods Max are available to preorder today, for availability beginning December 15.
