AirPods Max Begin Shipping to Customers Ahead of December 15 Launch

[Polz]

Every time is see “AirPods Max,” I cringe. I’m sure they will sound amazing and will be great at noise cancellation. I just can’t wrap my mind around this “strategy.” Had they priced it for $399 or less, they would have dominated the Bose/Sony market IMO. I also could have overlooked the lack of a case and a way to power them off. $550? Not sure who they're targeting here. I doubt they will be $200-$275 better than Sony or Bose offerings. Even if they are “better,” it’s still a stretch given how much more they are.

On a side rant, can we get rid of the “Max” nomenclature? “Max” is just so cheesy, it’s like Apple is letting an 8 year old come up with these names. “Super mega-awesome Pro-Max XDR PROMAX Super Edition Plus!”

I guess another rant, why are these even called AirPods? The first thing I think of when I hear “AirPods” is compact, wireless, in ear headphones, not massive, heavy cans.
I wish Apple would just make their Pro lineup and than SE versions. Keep it simple.

If anything their marketing is brilliant. Make the technology better enough in dangling the carrot for people to pay X more...literally moving a group of people into a new category. Knowing their brand (Apple) is strong enough to move the dial. ie. take Tesla, they moved a car buying segment that was buying Honda Accords to and intrigues them to spending $15-20k more on a Model 3. Examples of just enough technology advancement and brand strength to move segments. Also, think about how many people in the professional audio world will look at these as bargains. Instead of spending $1k+ on "studio" headphones, these can probably match the needs (using line in that comes as an accessory) while also giving you personal use. Anyway, I think they nailed it. Who would have told you 30 years ago you would have been buying cell phones that cost over $1k about every 3 years?

 

[jotwee]

Definitely feels like there was some sort of two-step embargo here -

a) You can talk about the headphones, how they feel, packaging, etc

(units ship)

b) ...now you can talk about how they sound


I suspect the performance will be decent or even better. But this delay in reviews of how they sound is really frustrating.

Spoiler alert: they sound great, definitely better than the much too often mentioned Sonys and Boses

 

[Ds6778]

If anything their marketing is brilliant. Make the technology better enough in dangling the carrot for people to pay X more...literally moving a group of people into a new category. Knowing their brand (Apple) is strong enough to move the dial. ie. take Tesla, they moved a car buying segment that was buying Honda Accords to and intrigues them to spending $15-20k more on a Model 3. Examples of just enough technology advancement and brand strength to move segments. Also, think about how many people in the professional audio world will look at these as bargains. Instead of spending $1k+ on "studio" headphones, these can probably match the needs (using line in that comes as an accessory) while also giving you personal use. Anyway, I think they nailed it. Who would have told you 30 years ago you would have been buying cell phones that cost over $1k about every 3 years?

People in the Pro Audio Field aren’t getting these. To be frank with you, nearly no one goes car shopping for an Accord and than thinks “what’s another twenty thousand dollars!” Another 20k is another Accord. While I understand that Apple can typically charger a premium due to an earned reputation, that does not make them immune from making poor pricing decisions. Plus, this only works if Apple is going after the “pro” market. They’re not, this is aimed at Bose/Sony and a few others. That’s where my confusion is in regards to Apples strategy.

 

[Jimmy James]

And you can change the maxi pads on these?

 

[Analog Kid]

If anything their marketing is brilliant. Make the technology better enough in dangling the carrot for people to pay X more...literally moving a group of people into a new category. Knowing their brand (Apple) is strong enough to move the dial. ie. take Tesla, they moved a car buying segment that was buying Honda Accords to and intrigues them to spending $15-20k more on a Model 3. Examples of just enough technology advancement and brand strength to move segments. Also, think about how many people in the professional audio world will look at these as bargains. Instead of spending $1k+ on "studio" headphones, these can probably match the needs (using line in that comes as an accessory) while also giving you personal use. Anyway, I think they nailed it. Who would have told you 30 years ago you would have been buying cell phones that cost over $1k about every 3 years?

I agree with most of what you’re saying around market segmentation, but these almost certainly aren’t studio headphones. I haven’t seen definitively that they’ll take analog in, but if they do there is still too much computational audio processing happening to use as a reference. These are meant to sound good when listening, not as a neutral reference when creating.

 

[tomegun]

Spoiler alert: they sound great, definitely better than the much too often mentioned Sonys and Boses

Are you saying this from experience or making an assumption? As much as I think the price is too high, I kind of want them. I don't know why...I am looking at my Sony XM4s sitting on the desk in front of me right now.

 

[teknikal90]

If anything their marketing is brilliant. Make the technology better enough in dangling the carrot for people to pay X more...literally moving a group of people into a new category. Knowing their brand (Apple) is strong enough to move the dial. ie. take Tesla, they moved a car buying segment that was buying Honda Accords to and intrigues them to spending $15-20k more on a Model 3. Examples of just enough technology advancement and brand strength to move segments. Also, think about how many people in the professional audio world will look at these as bargains. Instead of spending $1k+ on "studio" headphones, these can probably match the needs (using line in that comes as an accessory) while also giving you personal use. Anyway, I think they nailed it. Who would have told you 30 years ago you would have been buying cell phones that cost over $1k about every 3 years?

Studio headphones are like $250. That’s what you use for work.
there are audiophile headphones that cost much much more that you can use for critical listening. But they’re more often open back phones with super flat frequency responses. Unlikely to be the signature that AirPods will have.

 

[carletonguy]

Every time is see “AirPods Max,” I cringe. I’m sure they will sound amazing and will be great at noise cancellation. I just can’t wrap my mind around this “strategy.” Had they priced it for $399 or less, they would have dominated the Bose/Sony market IMO. I also could have overlooked the lack of a case and a way to power them off. $550? Not sure who they're targeting here. I doubt they will be $200-$275 better than Sony or Bose offerings. Even if they are “better,” it’s still a stretch given how much more they are.

On a side rant, can we get rid of the “Max” nomenclature? “Max” is just so cheesy, it’s like Apple is letting an 8 year old come up with these names. “Super mega-awesome Pro-Max XDR PROMAX Super Edition Plus!”

I guess another rant, why are these even called AirPods? The first thing I think of when I hear “AirPods” is compact, wireless, in ear headphones, not massive, heavy cans.
I wish Apple would just make their Pro lineup and than SE versions. Keep it simple.

They are targeting the Bang and Olufsen or Bowers and Wilkins buyer, not the Sony buyer.

 

[LeonPro]

Mine shipped as well. Wonder if it will arrive earlier than the 15th.

 

[ian87w]

These arguments looked familiar. Remember the time when Apple released the first AirPods? Plenty of people were bashing it on how overpriced it was. Fast forward, it has become the best selling TWS earbud.

I have a feeling Apple not approaching this market from "another wireless headphone" competitor. Seems like they're approaching it from a brand/premium/style first (remember beats? People claimed how overpriced they were, but they are best selling headphone brand), and oh look, it's also wireless and noise cancelling.

I think it's the same on many of Apple products. If you look at it from the spec list perspective, there are always better values elsewhere. However, majority of people are not buying based on specs. Heck, just from the announcement, many of my non-tech friends are already drooling on how cool these AirPods Max are design wise compared to the more boxy/techy design of the Sonys. Add on colors, and you get a formula for success. Time will tell though.

I'm sure this is just a starting point for Apple. There will be an SE version for sure coming for the price that everybody's wanting (~$399) once Apple has an idea how the market behaves. Take HomePod. Apple took notes, and with then they released a $99 mini version. Release the premium for privileged status first (HomePod, iPhone X), then release the mainstream version to catch everyone else (HomePod mini, iPhone XR).

 

[Unregistered 4U]

they would have dominated the Bose/Sony market IMO.

They already dominate the Bose/Sony market with the Beats brand, 70% marketshare.

Looking forward to seeing clips of NBA players walking in to arenas wearing them.

Not unless they redo the 2018 deal where Apple-owned Beats By Dre is became the NBA's official headphones partner.

 

[ian87w]

They already dominate the Bose/Sony market with the Beats brand, 70% marketshare.


Not unless they redo the 2018 deal where Apple-owned Beats By Dre is became the NBA's official headphones partner.

Yeah, people forgot about beats.

Beats is the perfect example of how a brand that everybody on the internet kept bashing for sounding bad and overpriced, yet is the best selling headphone brand.

 

[agsystems]

Every time is see “AirPods Max,” I cringe. I’m sure they will sound amazing and will be great at noise cancellation. I just can’t wrap my mind around this “strategy.” Had they priced it for $399 or less, they would have dominated the Bose/Sony market IMO. I also could have overlooked the lack of a case and a way to power them off. $550? Not sure who they're targeting here. I doubt they will be $200-$275 better than Sony or Bose offerings. Even if they are “better,” it’s still a stretch given how much more they are.

On a side rant, can we get rid of the “Max” nomenclature? “Max” is just so cheesy, it’s like Apple is letting an 8 year old come up with these names. “Super mega-awesome Pro-Max XDR PROMAX Super Edition Plus!”

I guess another rant, why are these even called AirPods? The first thing I think of when I hear “AirPods” is compact, wireless, in ear headphones, not massive, heavy cans.
I wish Apple would just make their Pro lineup and than SE versions. Keep it simple.

I think $499 would be the lowest they can go at this time from the Apple Store - Bestbuy, Walmart, Amazon, etc. will definitely have it cheaper. Apple likes to amortize their R&D costs quickly and that's the reason for the crazy price.

 

[827538]

I really wish there was a way to power them off without that stupid and quite useless looking case. I'm not about to carry that case around with me just so I can turn them off. With AirPods it makes sense as they are tiny and it actually helps to have somewhere to put and charge them. But these? Really? This feels like another Apple mouse moment when they put the charging port on the bottom - a totally retarded decision I still cant believe they made.

I would actually like these but if it means keeping them in a case when not in use I just don't want to put up with that, especially not for $550.

 

[44267547]

Apple likes to amortize their R&D costs quickly and that's the reason for the crazy price.

Maybe you don’t understand or pay enough attention to the audio segment, because $550 is not a ‘crazy price’. What it comes down to, is some don’t have an appreciation for spending money on headphones when they don’t care about the aspects of sound dynamics, but if you want something of quality sound and well constructed, then you look at products that are in the segment what Apple is charging in comparison to Bose, Klipsch, Sennheiser, ect. Why is no one calling those prices crazy? Now Apple is considered ‘crazy’ for releasing a pair of $550 headphones? They’re right in line with the other competitors.

 

[newyorksole]

Maybe you don’t understand or paying attention to the audio segment, because $550 is not a ‘crazy price’. What it comes down to, is some don’t have an appreciation for spending money on headphones when they don’t care about the aspects of sound dynamics, but if you want something of quality sound and well constructed, then you look at products that are in the segment what Apple is charging in comparison to Bose, Klipsch, Sennheiser, ect. Why is no one calling those prices crazy? Now Apple is considered ‘crazy’ for releasing a pair of $550 headphones? They’re right in line with the other competitors.

It’s only crazy because it’s Apple and everyone feels like Apple owes them something for some odd reason. Everyone is saying they would “totally buy these if they were $300/$400”. Just goes to show they are highly sought after, but even with alleged great sound and superior build quality, the masses think Apple should give them away for free.

It’s just really weird honestly Lol.

 

[citysnaps]

Honestly I have big doubts that the demand is so high for this product at this price that Apples supply chain wouldn’t be able to keep up.
I would believe it if Apple from the beginning knew they probably knew it would be a tough sell at this price and intentionally ordered a smaller number of units, so the product could seem more sought after due to slipping shipping times(say that 10x fast 😅) quickly after launch, even before reviews have come in.

In other words. I don’t buy in to the hype Apple could artificially seem to imply by on purpose ordering few units. And I would get it. On that account alone Apple might be able to make some more sells just by the product seeming exclusive and illusive. 🤷🏻‍♂️

"On that account alone Apple might be able to make some more sells just by the product seeming exclusive and illusive."

More sells would occur if Apple had more product to sell at a reasonable delivery time.

I was going to purchase a blue AirPods Max when ordering opened. As availability quickly shot to 3 1/2 months I decided to pass. Soon afterwards all colors had a similar delay.

I decided to not order and wait until March when I'll then reassess. The money Apple would have had stays in my wallet. Will I order in March? Don't know.

That is definitely not helping sell more headphones and their revenue stream.

 

[kycophpd]

Apple stores aren’t doing SOP right now. And I can’t think of another product that had a 14 week lead time from pre order day forward. But who knows. Good luck.

No but express pickup is available for almost all items once they are released. I picked up 3 Belkin Car Vent Mounts that way the day they were released. They were available in the apple store app for about 15 minutes at my local store before selling out. Currently unavailable for pickup and delivery right now is 6-8 weeks out. Someone will be able to snag one again once a delivery shows up and they are in the system. I see no reason this won't be the same for the AirPods Max.

 

[RONS67]

Apple stores aren’t doing SOP right now.

FYI: iPhone 12 and 12 mini can be ordered online for pickup at many Apple stores that otherwise aren’t open for business.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Unfortunately I have to use that 550 to pay my taxes. Besides, this is just another HomePods experiment, I’m sure I’m 2 years, the AirPods Max Mini will be released at a reasonable cost.

 

[jimbobb24]

These arguments looked familiar. Remember the time when Apple released the first AirPods? Plenty of people were bashing it on how overpriced it was. Fast forward, it has become the best selling TWS earbud.

I have a feeling Apple not approaching this market from "another wireless headphone" competitor. Seems like they're approaching it from a brand/premium/style first (remember beats? People claimed how overpriced they were, but they are best selling headphone brand), and oh look, it's also wireless and noise cancelling.

I think it's the same on many of Apple products. If you look at it from the spec list perspective, there are always better values elsewhere. However, majority of people are not buying based on specs. Heck, just from the announcement, many of my non-tech friends are already drooling on how cool these AirPods Max are design wise compared to the more boxy/techy design of the Sonys. Add on colors, and you get a formula for success. Time will tell though.

I'm sure this is just a starting point for Apple. There will be an SE version for sure coming for the price that everybody's wanting (~$399) once Apple has an idea how the market behaves. Take HomePod. Apple took notes, and with then they released a $99 mini version. Release the premium for privileged status first (HomePod, iPhone X), then release the mainstream version to catch everyone else (HomePod mini, iPhone XR).

The airpods were actually very competitively priced. In fact they were dramatically cheaper than the competition - people were just delusional. Here the market is very mature and it is not the same situation. I expect Apple going to make a ton but I await sounds reviews by the audiophiles to see where these fall sound wise.

 

[agsystems]

Maybe you don’t understand or pay enough attention to the audio segment, because $550 is not a ‘crazy price’. What it comes down to, is some don’t have an appreciation for spending money on headphones when they don’t care about the aspects of sound dynamics, but if you want something of quality sound and well constructed, then you look at products that are in the segment what Apple is charging in comparison to Bose, Klipsch, Sennheiser, ect. Why is no one calling those prices crazy? Now Apple is considered ‘crazy’ for releasing a pair of $550 headphones? They’re right in line with the other competitors.

stand corrected - thanks for the education - if this is the market they are going for - they are actually cheaper. The reviews will come in and will see where they stack

this bad boys go for close to $5000

Sennheiser — Headphones, Microphones, Wireless Systems

For over 75 years, our products come with a built-in mission: to stay true to the sound and soul the music was given by its artist.

en-us.sennheiser.com

 

[FHoff]

FYI: iPhone 12 and 12 mini can be ordered online for pickup at many Apple stores that otherwise aren’t open for business.

FYI: Never said they weren’t. But many Apple stores they are not. Some stores not even offering pickup at all. That’s why is said SOP Standard Operating Procedure.
Anyway good luck to those who try to pick up launch day. Mine will arrive on that day.

 

[strayts]

Well for one, I suspect that the AirPods max can’t really be sold for much cheaper because that’s how much it costs to make.

At $550, and given it’s a first gen product with new industrial design, and given what we know about the HomePod, I am estimating that the cost of the AirPods max is about $450, for 20% margins. Going anything below this is basically asking Apple to eat a loss on every unit sold.

Second, I don’t think Apple intends to dominate the existing Sony / Bose market as much as they plan to create their own parallel market (which they will in turn dominate).

We may see Apple release a cheaper “sport” version of the AirPods max in the future, when Apple has had the opportunity to recoup some of the expenses on R&D and manufacturing but right now, the AirPods max are that expensive because (I suspect) they simply cost a lot to make.



I recall reading somewhere that “air” when used as a prefix means wireless, while pods means music. So AirPods simply refers to wireless music.

Max means a larger version of an existing product, so AirPods max means bigger wireless headphones.

It’s not exactly intuitive, but I do see a certain logic in the naming.

That would mean the cost is greater than that of the iPhone! No way.

 

[PickUrPoison]

It’s only crazy because it’s Apple and everyone feels like Apple owes them something for some odd reason. Everyone is saying they would “totally buy these if they were $300/$400”. Just goes to show they are highly sought after, but even with alleged great sound and superior build quality, the masses think Apple should give them away for free.

It’s just really weird honestly Lol.

There are a never ending stream of newcomers, as well as those who already know better, to say apple products are too expensive. It’s an exceedingly boring complaint.

People want a $499 Mac mini, a $100-200 mass market iPhone, a $500 plastic notebook, a $2,500 Mac minitower, whatever. And I want a $20,000 Tesla, so what.

These headphones are $550, may $499 a year from now, maybe not. Maybe Apple will come out with a $300-ish tier, maybe they’ll just leave that to Beats. Who knows.

But complaining these should be $300-400 is like saying an iPhone 12 Pro Max should be $700-800. No, it shouldn’t.