AirPods Max: Apple’s first over-ear headphones sound expensive

Apple has taken the wraps off its first over-ear headphones (Beats by Dre, excluded)-the AirPods Max, previously rumoured to be called AirPods Studio. Uniquely designed, the AirPods Max injects the magic of the best-selling AirPods, including the power of computational audio thanks to powerful H1 chips. The headphones feature Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, and spatial audio. Available in five colours including space grey, silver, sky blue, green, and pink, the AirPods Max delivers up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC and spatial audio enabled.

From the get-go, the AirPods Max looks unique-from the breathable knit mesh canopy that spans the headband and the stainless steel headband frame. The telescoping headband arms extend and stay in place for the desired fit.

Each ear cup attaches to the headband through a unique mechanism that Apple says balances and distributes ear cup pressure. The mechanism allows it to independently pivot and rotate to fit a user’s head.

They do look comfortable, an important aspect to consider with headphones. Each ear cushion uses acoustically engineered memory foam to create an effective seal-passive noise cancellation if you will.