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apple announces $549 over-ear headphones, the airpods max

AVATAR Romain Dillet
Romain Dillet
Senior Reporter
•December 8, 2020
Topics:AirPodsairpods studioAppleBeatsHardware
apple announces $549 over-ear headphones, the airpods max

The AirPods Max are now available, expanding Apple’s range of audio products alongside the existing AirPods and AirPods Pro models. As illustrated in the image, Apple is introducing its inaugural over-ear headphone offering branded under the AirPods name.

These wireless headphones incorporate active noise cancellation technology and are priced at $549. This new product positions Apple in direct competition with leading wireless headphones from Sony and Bose, specifically the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose 700. Customers can place pre-orders starting today, with shipments scheduled to begin on December 15.

It’s important to note that this isn’t Apple’s first venture into over-ear headphones, as the company previously acquired Beats in 2014. Apple has continued to release new Beats headphone models in recent years. As an example, the Beats Solo Pro, featuring Apple’s H1 chip and a $300 price point, was launched last year and also includes active noise cancellation.

The AirPods Max are offered in a variety of colors – silver, space gray, sky blue, pink, and green. They are designed to be foldable and come with a dedicated storage case, which Apple refers to as a Smart Case. Placing the headphones inside the case activates an ultra-low power mode; this is the primary function of the case. Apple anticipates a battery life of up to 20 hours.

apple announces $549 over-ear headphones, the airpods maxThese headphones are powered by Apple’s H1 chip, incorporating 10 audio cores, and deliver many of the same features found in the AirPods Pro – including active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and adaptive EQ. The headband is constructed from stainless steel, which likely contributes to the product’s cost. A flexible mesh material is used for the top band, and the ear cushions utilize memory foam to create a secure seal.

Alongside a dedicated noise control button, the AirPods Max feature a digital crown, inspired by the Apple Watch, allowing users to control volume, skip tracks, and perform other functions. Internally, the device utilizes 40-mm dynamic drivers. Combined with computational audio and a dual neodymium ring magnet motor, Apple aims to provide minimal distortion and exceptional sound quality.

apple announces $549 over-ear headphones, the airpods maxFor those unfamiliar, Adaptive EQ was initially introduced with the AirPods Pro. This feature employs microphones to dynamically adjust the sound profile based on the fit and seal of the headphones or earbuds.

Regarding active noise cancellation, the AirPods Max utilize three outward-facing microphones on each ear cup. When paired with an iPhone or iPad, Apple leverages the gyroscope and accelerometer in both devices to analyze motion data and deliver immersive sound in 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos formats. Furthermore, music playback automatically pauses when the AirPods Max are removed.

apple announces $549 over-ear headphones, the airpods max
#AirPods Max#Apple headphones#over-ear headphones#Apple#tech news#audio

Romain Dillet

Romain Dillet served as a Senior Reporter for TechCrunch until April 2025. He authored more than 3,500 pieces focusing on technology and emerging tech companies, becoming a recognized and respected commentator within the European technology landscape. His expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including startups, artificial intelligence, financial technology, data protection, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, mobile technology, social media, and the media industry. Having spent thirteen years with TechCrunch, he became a well-known figure at the publication renowned for its comprehensive coverage of Silicon Valley and the broader technology sector – he initially joined TechCrunch at the age of 21. Situated in Paris, he is widely regarded by many within the technology community as a highly informed and insightful technology reporter. Romain has a talent for identifying promising startups at an early stage. He was the first journalist to report on Revolut, Alan, and N26. He also broke stories regarding significant acquisitions made by Apple, Microsoft, and Snap. Beyond his writing, Romain also possesses skills as a software developer, giving him a practical understanding of the technical aspects of technology. He also maintains a comprehensive understanding of the history of computing over the last half-century, allowing him to effectively analyze the connections between technological advancements and their societal impact. Romain is an alumnus of Emlyon Business School, a prominent French business school with a specialization in entrepreneurship. He has also contributed his time and expertise to various charitable organizations, including StartHer, which focuses on advancing education and empowerment for women in the technology field, and Techfugees, an organization dedicated to assisting displaced individuals through the use of technology.
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Romain Dillet