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Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) · Apple Newsroom — 111858_sp835_airpods_max.png

Apple AirPods Max (Lightning)
Photo 1 of 12

Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) · Apple Newsroom — 111858_sp835_airpods_max.png

Apple · AirPods

AirPods Max (Lightning)

Released December 2020

Apple's original over-ear noise-cancelling headphones use H1 chips and a Lightning connector, with Spatial Audio for compatible Apple devices.

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Battery
20 h
With case
–
Best codec
AAC
Weight
384.8 g

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the detailed sound, effective noise cancelling, natural Transparency mode and build quality, but question the high price and limited case protection. Both find Apple device integration convenient and Spatial Audio immersive, while noting the substantial weight and extra cost of a wired audio cable.

From theverge.com and techradar.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Sound

Type
Over-ear
Noise cancelling
Yes
Transparency mode
Yes
Spatial audio with head tracking
Yes
Driver size
40 mm
Bluetooth codecs
SBC and AAC
Lossless over USB-C
No
Chip
H1
Drivers
Apple-designed dynamic drivers with dual neodymium ring magnet motors
Chip
H1 in each ear cup
Noise cancelling detail
Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency mode
Audio features
Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; Audio Sharing; AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); analogue wired listening through a separately sold Lightning to 3.5 mm audio cable

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim)
Up to 20 hours
Battery life detail
Up to 20 hours of movie playback with Spatial Audio; Smart Case puts headphones in an ultra-low-power state; charging via Lightning
Fast charging
Around 1.5 hours of listening after 5 minutes of charging

Design

Weight
384.8 g
Bluetooth
5.0
Headphone cable
Yes
Controls
Digital Crown for volume, playback, calls and Siri; listening mode button for ANC/Transparency; “Hey Siri”
Microphones
Nine microphones, three for voice pickup (two shared with ANC); optical, position and case-detect sensors and accelerometer in each cup, gyroscope in left cup
Fit and ear tips
Stainless steel frame, telescoping arms and knit mesh canopy; memory foam cushions; aluminium ear cups
Case weight
134.5 g (Smart Case)
Dimensions
187.3 × 168.6 × 83.4 mm (height × width × depth), including cushions
Works with
Apple devices with current iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS or tvOS; Bluetooth audio with older Apple software and non-Apple devices, with limited features
Colours
Space Grey, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, Pink
In the box
AirPods Max, Smart Case, Lightning to USB-C cable, documentation

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Adaptive EQ
  • Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
  • Digital Crown adjusts volume and controls playback

Cons

  • Heavy at 384.8 g
  • No built-in 3.5 mm jack; wired listening needs a separate Lightning audio cable
  • No USB-C lossless audio support

Closest rivals

Model
TypeNoise cancellingBatteryWith caseBest codecWeightReleased
BoseNoise Cancelling Headphones 700
Over-earYes20 h–AAC254 gJun 2019
SonyWH-1000XM4
Over-earYes30 h–LDAC254 gAug 2020
BoseQuietComfort 45
Over-earYes22 h–AAC240 gSept 2021

Newer model: AirPods Max (USB-C).

Sources

  1. support.apple.com/en-gb/111858
  2. apple.com/uk/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods…
  3. support.apple.com/en-gb/118295
  4. support.apple.com/en-gb/108364
  5. soundguys.com/are-airpods-max-worth-it-121236
  6. theverge.com/22177494/apple-airpods-max-headphones-review-price-features

Photo: Apple Newsroom — 111858_sp835_airpods_max.png

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