AirPods Max Market Segment Too Niche to Boost Sales, Say Apple Suppliers

[The Game 161]

how many here have ordered one?

 

[Macaday]

First gen intel MacBook - Core Duo 32bit, year that later they used Core2Duo 64bit and double ram capacity
First gen Apple Watches - not waterproof.
First gen iPad - no camera that actually faces you.
First gen iPhone - only 2g, no front facing camera.
First gen Unibody MacBook Pro - Exactly the same as previous gen MacBook unibody, errr without a replaceable battery.
First gen iPod - Firewire rather than USB
First gen Macbook 12" ... slow as hell, keyboard issues

I'm sure your M1 won't fall into the above category, but you see there has been a trend from time to time

What you're mainly looking at above is no different than a year on year progression. Of course the models that follow will have newer/better features but that doesn't stop the 1st gen from functioning. Some of it may well be to limit features to sell to you next year but most of the time it's because the function hasn't matured enough yet to not hit battery life or create the right manufacturing process.

The only exception to that list was the 12 inch MacBook which was designed following the release of Intel's future roadmap. Intel didn't deliver on the CPU front so to fit that chip in that design it had to be throttled to death. Not necessarily Apple's fault but they should have shelved that notebook until the right chip was available (would be perfect for M1).

Take AirPods Max as a recent example. They apparently wanted a touch panel and interchangeable left/right ear cups but couldn't get it to work right just yet so made the right decision to leave those features out - probably for a later version when the technology has caught up. I have the Sony XM4's and the touch panel is very frustrating. No wonder Apple left it out if they could only get it to work like that.

 

[dannys1]

annnndd the fanboi timeline where they eventually warm up to the idea of being ripped off by surpar headphones only because it has a Apple logo is right on cue.

-posted from my iPhone 12 Pro Max

I don't think these actually have an Apple logo on them ironically.

 

[Mcckoe]

Firstly, while they might be regular old dynamic headphones, but we do not know what kind of DSP magic is going on inside that may just blow everything else out of the water.


Nice enough kit - but only people "into" wireless audio would know / care about them. (I'm into decent headphones but I've never heard of them until you posted). Honestly, they aren't really competing in the same category as AirPods Max.

Theres also no ANC which is a HUGE selling point on any wireless cans these days and something that I expect Apple have managed to do very well.

If the M1 release is anything to go by, until there is some real in-depth reviews we should keep an open mind.

Ok, I’m going to say three things and than be done. First, everything your assuming is that apple designed or has created something so unique that it can overcome actual physics(proper planar drivers are because of physics better than dynamic drivers); 2nd, there is no way you can be involved in headphone HiFi, and not know Audeze(Mobius is the highest ranked set of gaming headphones on most seriously taken lists). 3rd, I find it hard to believe ANC is worth the price difference for most.

If ANC is the most important thing, and you still want good headphones that have spatial audio, but don’t mind reduced clarity and quality for more money; than the apple Headphones are for you.

I’m not disapproving of what apple has created, it is a Jack-of-All trades kind of thing, trying to cut corners where it can, while still retaining the majority of its quality features. I’m disapproving of the price it put these headphones at: which, to anyone that knows anything about HiFi Headphones they don’t deserve to be in.

 

[0924487]

I have an M1 MacBook Pro and its by far the best computer I've ever owned (and best value/performance). Why is buying first gen not a good buying decision again?

Apple Watch 1 was perfect until you see series 4 and 5.

iPad 1 was perfect until you see iPad 2, which is the longest-lasting iPad ever existed.

iPhone 1 was perfect until you see iPhone 4, which is the most iconic iPhone yet.

When designing new products, Apple would have a vision for something like the iPhone 4 when designing the iPhone 1, but due to technological constraints, they had to make a few "minimum viable products, or MVPs" before they are able to launch the real deal!

 

[deevey]

Ok, I’m going to say three things and than be done. First, everything your assuming is that apple designed or has created something so unique that it can overcome actual physics(proper planar drivers are because of physics better than dynamic drivers); 2nd, there is no way you can be involved in headphone HiFi, and not know Audeze(Mobius is the highest ranked set of gaming headphones on most seriously taken lists). 3rd, I find it hard to believe ANC is worth the price difference for most.

If ANC is the most important thing, and you still want good headphones that have spatial audio, but don’t mind reduced clarity and quality for more money; than the apple Headphones are for you.

I’m not disapproving of what apple has created, it is a Jack-of-All trades kind of thing, trying to cut corners where it can, while still retaining the majority of its quality features. I’m disapproving of the price it put these headphones at: which, to anyone that knows anything about HiFi Headphones they don’t deserve to be in.

Firstly, I'm not assuming anything until measurements are in, you are the one assuming. And while technically better when driven correctly, planar drivers are not going to always be the most pleasing to everyone (like balanced armature for in-ears, or solid state amps). I'm guessing you already know the weaknesses of Planar as well, which includes more power requirements which is not ideal for a battery operated device.

Secondly, I've been involved in pro audio for over 20+ years, gaming headphones are 100% not my thing. And Gaming headphones are typically last on my list to even consider when I go looking for decent audio as they generally just have a big smiley face sound sig. So forgive my ignorance when it comes to a market that is not my forté.

Third, I think you severely underestimate the importance of ANC in the headphone marketplace right now, and in the future - Apple gave everyone a taste with AirPods pro's at a reasonable price. It's not something I feel that I need, but its one of the big reasons people have cited for buying them.

I'm not the target market - I need wired cans at home for a number of reasons, and I'm happy enough with reasonably priced BA in-ears when out and about. I simply have a strong interest in the technology, and where things are headed.

I'm also prepared to be objective and wait for some real world results rather than blasting a product I haven't even seen or heard in real-life. Just because something isn't worth it to you, does not mean that its not worth it to someone else.

 

[AnthonyHarris]

 

[deevey]

actually, I don’t. I’ve owned almost every 1st gen product you’ve listed and they all worked fine. I enjoyed the time and excitement of learning something new while others sat on the sidelines waiting for perfection that never comes. Maybe you think waiting is the better bargain but I think it’s missing out on a lot.

He did ask why people keep saying it to him - which is for the most part because the second gens have most of the annoying kinks ironed out and some first-gen'rs' feel they got a bum deal when features are added that span into all consecutive models.

The first gen Intel MacBook was my only First-Get burn as it was updated just a couple months later with a significantly better processor and ram, the thing was still way faster than the G4 Powerbook it replaced and lasted me years until stolen

Since then though I've had plenty of first gen products with no buyers remorse, apple products hold their value and you can always offload if there are features you feel you really must have.

 

[G5isAlive]

He did ask why people keep saying it to him - which is for the most part because the second gens have most of the annoying kinks ironed out and some first-gen'rs' feel they got a bum deal when features are added that span into all consecutive models.

The first gen Intel MacBook was my only First-Get burn as it was updated just a couple months later with a significantly better processor and ram, the thing was still way faster than the G4 Powerbook it replaced and lasted me years until stolen

Since then though I've had plenty of first gen products with no buyers remorse, apple products hold their value and you can always offload if there are features you feel you really must have.

Fair enough. Why. Well you gave examples of progress and if that answers Why, then okay then. But frankly, I think Why has less to do with progress and more to do with an individual's need to feel superior for waiting Wait, I mean an individual's level of risk aversion. Sorry to hear you got robbed. And yep, I am guilty of 'offloading' and 'upgrading.' I freely admit I like my toys. I type this out while listening to my AirPod Max lol. Which to be honest and slightly on topic, feels heavyish. I think you mentioned elsewhere you are an Audio Pro. I look forward to reading your thoughts when you have the chance to listen to them. To my uneducated ears they sound smooth, and the ANC is top notch (so far). Though someone will no doubt insist I can't comment on ANC until I am in a plane again. shrugs.

 

[Mr.PT]

Yes. And, that is why I mentioned the wired option; “if you are an audiophile looking for a cutting-edge, cord-free option to your wired gear.”

There is a spectrum of performance across wireless, as there is with wired. The best wireless cannot sound as good as a great wired. But if you care about the quality, and have a need for wireless, then some will still want the best of that technology. Do you believe that audiophiles DON’T ever use wireless headphones?

Yes, Maybe they also comute!?

 

[Mr.PT]

And yet, since you haven't see or heard them in the flesh you nor me have any idea if they are better worse or somewhere in the middle 🤣

It is for many people who simply cannot wear in-ear headphones

These aren't beats solo pro's though so why bother comparing

It was enough of a market to warrant 30+ million (expensive and mediocre) beats headphones sold up to 2018

Once you drink enough everything tastes great though regardless of the price !

Sure, but unfortunately I've already seen the "meshed" headband and that won't go away... I suspect sound tech (notebly spatiality) will be superior in Max's not sure about the "Sound" though. Also, where I live B&O is 100€ cheaper.

 

[deevey]

Fair enough. Why. Well you gave examples of progress and if that answers Why, then okay then. But frankly, I think Why has less to do with progress and more to do with an individual's need to feel superior for waiting Wait, I mean an individual's level of risk aversion. Sorry to hear you got robbed. And yep, I am guilty of 'offloading' and 'upgrading.' I freely admit I like my toys. I type this out while listening to my AirPod Max lol. Which to be honest and slightly on topic, feels heavyish. I think you mentioned elsewhere you are an Audio Pro. I look forward to reading your thoughts when you have the chance to listen to them. To my uneducated ears they sound smooth, and the ANC is top notch (so far). Though someone will no doubt insist I can't comment on ANC until I am in a plane again. shrugs.

I have no problem with the first gen products, nor do I feel I was robbed. I was simply answering his question as to why other people tell him not to buy.

If you read back my comments, I'm pretty confident that Apple have fantastic job with with these cans. I can't wait to try them, but doubt it will be any more than in-store or maybe loaner.

 

[G5isAlive]

I have no problem with the first gen products, nor do I feel I was robbed. I was simply answering his question as to why other people tell him not to buy.

If you read back my comments, I'm pretty confident that Apple have fantastic job with with these cans. I can't wait to try them, but doubt it will be any more than in-store or maybe loaner.

So. Glad to hear you have no problem with first gen products. You failed to mention that in your original post, rather sounded snarky. Shrugs. So simply answering why now sounds a lot like back pedaling. Not to mention I have already acknowledged that, but added the real why was not the technical advances but something more human. No comment to that? You dont feel you were robbed? Did i misunderstand you when you wrote ‘ lasted me years until stolen ‘. That sounds like robbed to me.

 

[deevey]

So. Glad to hear you have no problem with first gen products. You failed to mention that in your original post, rather sounded snarky. Shrugs. So simply answering why now sounds a lot like back pedaling. Not to mention I have already acknowledged that, but added the real why was not the technical advances but something more human. No comment to that? You dont feel you were robbed?

Absolutely - the human factor is simply buyers remorse when something shinier comes out. Thats exactly what I was getting at. Some feel it more than others and the naysayers will try to put the rest of us off buying until they think the kinks or features are worked out/added to a new lineup.

Did i misunderstand you when you wrote ‘ lasted me years until stolen ‘. That sounds like robbed to me.

Nope, I misunderstood that you felt I was robbed by Apple 🤣

Too much quoting going on

 

[apimex]

I don't know about you guys but beats studio 3 wireless headphones are the worst headphones i've ever come across.