I’ve spent under 24 hours with Apple’s AirPods Max headphones, so a full review isn’t yet possible. However, I want to share some initial thoughts, primarily regarding the build quality, along with a few first impressions of the audio performance.

These are my current observations, which may be confirmed or revised as I continue my evaluation over the coming week. Consider this an early draft of a review, containing my preliminary notes – a ‘proto review’ of sorts.

First and foremost, they are strikingly beautiful. The earcups exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, while the headband possesses remarkable robustness. The netting material feels akin to a premium furniture finish. The arms are meticulously designed, featuring a precise extension mechanism reminiscent of a finely engineered automotive piston. 

The netting, ear cushions, and the intelligent (though increasingly common) magnetic alignment and clasping system all contribute to the overall quality. The seamless integration of the earcup covers with the main body, achieved through a clever design, is particularly noteworthy. Each earcup is constructed from a single piece of aluminum. Just how superior is the construction? It feels as though the $550 price point is actually an understatement, based on the quality of the materials and their execution. 

However, there is a notable characteristic I feel compelled to mention, even at this early stage: these headphones are quite substantial in weight. If you generally prefer lighter headphones, the AirPods Max may not be the right choice. They have a considerable presence and are best enjoyed while sitting upright or reclining. (For example, if you’re moving around the house tidying up, you might find their weight causes them to shift forward.) They weigh 386g – more than 100g heavier than a pair of Beats over-ear headphones. While users accustomed to high-end headphones may anticipate this weight, I suspect many will find it surprising. I will provide further insights as I continue to use and adjust them.

The headphones also exhibit a limited range of articulation. While the piston-like extending earcups are innovative and visually appealing, the cups themselves don’t fold inward like those on Bose QCII or Sony MX headphones. This design choice likely explains the unique case design.

The controls are intuitive so far. The Digital Crown operates very similarly to the Apple Watch crown, perhaps with slightly increased resistance. Siri functions work seamlessly, activated by either a long press of the crown or the “Hey Siri” voice command. The earcups intelligently detect their position, allowing you to pause audio simply by lifting one cup.

Removing the headphones from your head automatically powers them off – there’s no dedicated power button. This feels remarkably natural and consistent with Apple’s design philosophy. Simply put them on to use, and take them off to stop.

They are charged via any power adapter, though one isn’t included. Apple states that a 5-minute charge provides 1.5 hours of playback, but there’s no overall fast-charging capability. Charging takes approximately two hours with any USB adapter, regardless of its wattage.

The omission of an included 3.5mm cable means an additional $35 purchase is required to achieve compatibility with in-flight entertainment systems or general use with other devices. And speaking of travel…

Due to the limited folding options, the netting material, and the specific way these headphones articulate, I don’t foresee them becoming a frequent travel companion. Also, the case is as unconventional as it appears. I apologize, but the construction feels inexpensive and prone to scuffing – not ideal for a ‘travel case’. And its shape is…unusual.

The sound quality is impressive. This isn’t a bass-heavy experience like some Beats models. While there’s ample low-end presence, the sound is more refined and delivers clarity across the entire frequency range. I’ve enjoyed movies, music, and phone calls, and all sounded excellent. The spatial audio feature is significantly enhanced by the larger drivers and enclosed design. Audio panning and positioning within Atmos content are remarkably well-executed, and when used with an iOS device, it genuinely feels as though you’re immersed in a spacious sound environment with a strong central focus on the screen. It creates the sensation of listening without headphones at all – a truly remarkable achievement.

That’s all for now. I’ll share more as I continue testing. In short: exceptional build quality, substantial weight, and promising sound performance.

For those interested, I’ve tested latency with a wired connection and found it to be satisfactory. Please feel free to share any additional questions on Twitter or in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to address them in my full review.

https://twitter.com/panzer/status/1337146091620294656?s=20