AirPods Max Launched Five Years Ago Today

[guzhogi]

I wonder if Apple has it's hand in too many baskets. Or just not enough resources?

You've got a 5 year old AirPod Max headphones, a 6 yr old XDR display, 5 year old HomePod mini, etc...

or not every product warrants yearly upgrades.

Look at what happens when Apple feel they *need* to update a product - the Apple Watch series 11 is a classic example of a total non-upgrade done for the sake of it.

If theres no compelling need for new HomePod minis for example then why update them.

Im happier as I don't feel the need to replace tech that is made to feel out of date when its nothing of the sort.

Considering some of the upgrades in the various Apple Silicon support chips (H2, W3/N1, etc), Apple could update the AirPods Max with newer technology.

I agree, not everything warrants an upgrade every year, but if Apple develops at least a component with major upgrades (I know "major" is subjective, but still…), Apple should put it in to all relevant products.

Edit to add: really wish there was a wireless tech where they can play the lossless, 24/192 audio used by some of the music Apple actually sells on Apple Music.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

sound isn't bad. It's overemphasized but done in a way that, unlike competitors, is subtle and remains nice to the ear.

ANC is awesome and even 5 years later only the XM6 truly beat them.

Weight is terrible, so is clamping force. it relies on the headband to distribute the weight, where said headband tends to get loose after 1/2 years and isn't replacable.

They accumulate moisture which leads to failure, can't be turned off, have a battery that's a bit anemic, and given the failure rate basically require you to pay for apple care +, which, given the price of the headphones, just doesn't feel right

Surround sound destroys the sound clarity as with all headphones. I don't think they're worth it, personally.

 

[flottenheimer]

A new, not as heavy design + updated tech/internals and I would be very tempted to buy a pair.

 

[CATiNTHESTORE]

Sony XM user here , sorry Apple

 

[Alexander_im]

Bought a pair on launch day, sold last month. I really liked ANC and overall sound, but boy was this thing heavy. It was not really noticeable for me at the beginning, but the canopy has stretched to the point where all the weight was on the top of my head and ears and I felt like I’m about to get a lobotomy. Not to mention the downside of metal cups: one can almost become deaf if accidentally hit it with hand.

Looking forward to seeing Gen 2 though!

 

[Zapski]

I have the first gen, love them, find the build nice and the sound quality very high. No problems with condensation, no problems wearing them a long time, no problems with wear….

No problems at all

 

[JD2015]

I have the first gen, love them, find the build nice and the sound quality very high. No problems with condensation, no problems wearing them a long time, no problems with wear….

No problems at all

Same here but only once I got used to the weight. Use them mainly whenever I travel and they are amazing for blocking noise.

 

[Doomtomb]

They still have best transparency and ANC modes but unless you commute on the subway, they just don't get enough use for me so I tick to my AirPods Pro.

 

[AND411]

An electronics store had many different over-ear headphones on display for testing, including the AP Max.
I tested at least 10 devices, and the AP Max had the best ANC of all those in my price range. Good ANC is very important to me, as is integration into the Apple ecosystem.
Okay, I don't plan to buy the AP Max from Apple or any other retailer; I'll be getting them soon with a contract and an additional payment of €99.
That's a fair deal, and I'm looking forward to it.

 

[shurcooL]

After 5 years, the headband isn’t holding up. It sags and doesn’t do its job as intended. It’s a shame that it’s not user replaceable the way the ear cushions are, because if it were, the long-term usability story would be much stronger.

 

[Zapski]

After 5 years, the headband isn’t holding up. It sags and doesn’t do its job as intended. It’s a shame that it’s not user replaceable the way the ear cushions are, because if it were, the long-term usability story would be much stronger.

All it takes is a paperclip to release the head band, and there are several sources for the part.

 

[bejaxn0623]

There have been so many times I almost pulled the trigger on these because even with them not being updated they still seem to do well in reviews when comparing them to Bose and Sony. I almost got them this Christmas season when they hit 399.00 for a short period of time.

 

[Edd70]

Bought a replacement pair for my original that lasted 3 years before dying. It’s the best hardware for our use case, looking forward to a true 2nd generation.

 

[Brenster]

My launch pair finally died this morning after several years of daily, intensive & extended use. Will be nipping to the nearest Apple Store this evening to pick up a replacement pair, ideally Midnight as the headband of the 1st gen silver pair has long since turned a less than edifying yellow.

And new pair of USB-C AirPods Max in midnight bought yesterday evening at the nearest Apple Store. Open plan office noise off, music on. All is right again with the world.

 

[svish]

It is a good headphone. Price could have been less for sure. Unfortunately it is one of the products that I think Apple has no plans to update frequently, just like the HomePod mini. Would like to see at least new colors every 2 years.

 

[x86dude]

Would never buy.

I think Apple sales have been hurt in recent years by the lack of trust to fix, even acknowledge problems.