Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Christmas gift for dad, who's really into speakers, headphones and all that jazz.

But strictly speaking, if it was for myself, this is still somewhat justified because:

1. Which other wireless headphone with ANC has these big cups?
2. Which other wireless headphone with ANC has a crown dedicated to adjusting volume?
3. Which other wireless headphone with ANC can seamlessly pair between multiple devices at once?
4. Which other wireless headphone with ANC has a good mic?
5. Which other wireless headphone with ANC runs for 20 hours with all features turned on?



Please read the above and give your answers. Then we'll see who has or has not done their research.
so you wanna spend an extra 250 bucks for a knob to adjust volume? otherwise bose qc35 check every other box on your list and are half the price
 
  • Like
Reactions: dukebound85
You can't possibly know that since you have never tried them. You might as well be opining about what it's like to land the Space Shuttle.
It's wireless. Full stop. It will sound worse then proper audio signal over a cable. It might not be the issue with low quality compressed sound and garbage music, but every wireless pair of headphones on the planet sounds way worse than the cable ones. Period.
 
Not sure why people keep making the same comments on price over and over at any mention of the AirPods Max, especially without trying them.. this thread is a PSA to help those that do see the advantage of them to score a pair during a shortage. Is it personal to knock down those that can afford them or jealousy?
It's not about the price alone, it's overall, what do you get for the price tag. When you consider the pros and cons and make the decision.

in US you get it for $550, whereas in EU we get it for $725 to $800. So will you spend those money for something if it doesn't check most the boxes you need to justify such prices? You've been quite spoilled in US getting those devices "cheaply" in comparison to the rest of the world, so yes i won't spend $800 for these headphones unless they really worth the price.

I don't question people's ability to buy things, that's good for them, nor I'm jealous. I just question how much they value the money they spent for such thing, that's all.

Assuming Duke your question was sincere, Swaon's negative position is posted all over, people are buying them because 1) they like the ease of use of the H1, 2) they have experienced Apple's audio products before and appreciate quality sound, 3) they are looking for something not as plastic feeling as the Bose and Sony offerings, 4) want good solid ANC, and 5) they know they can buy them at zero risk. If you don't like them, return them. Simple.
You can take my sarcastic comment as negative as you like. That's quite positive of you indeed :) The rest of the reasons are debatable and very subjective. For someone who doesn't value his money spending, he/she won't need to justify it, it's done. The same goes for someone who does value.. Every coin has two sides and here we're expressing the different POVs.
 
Oh gawd. Are people going to be using the AirPod Max as a fashion accessory and wearing it around their neck like during the early days of Beats headsets instead of actually using them?
If only covid wasn't around, that was very possible. I belive AirPod Max could bring even new and weirdier trends in Fashion, who knows.. People get very creative with their new fashion gadgets.
 
It's not about the price alone, it's overall, what do you get for the price tag. When you consider the pros and cons and make the decision.

in US you get it for $550, whereas in EU we get it for $725 to $800. So will you spend those money for something if it doesn't check most the boxes you need to justify such prices? You've been quite spoilled in US getting those devices "cheaply" in comparison to the rest of the world, so yes i won't spend $800 for these headphones unless they really worth the price.

I don't question people's ability to buy things, that's good for them, nor I'm jealous. I just question how much they value the money they spent for such thing, that's all.


You can take my sarcastic comment as negative as you like. That's quite positive of you indeed :) The rest of the reasons are debatable and very subjective. For someone who doesn't value his money spending, he/she won't need to justify it, it's done. The same goes for someone who does value.. Every coin has two sides and here we're expressing the different POVs.

I did not expect 'agree to disagree.' Thanks. And we definitely agree that price is just a number, it's value that is the debate (which assumes you can afford, else its just a hypothetical discussion). But even here you are a tad 'judgey' regarding people who value their spending (hinting they dont get Max's) and those that don't (those that do buy the max). I do pay attention to how I spend my money, I just have a budget (and wife) that allows for such. I realize I am fortunate in that regard, and that as you say, live where Apple Products are 'cheaper' (now THAT's a concept), but hey chances are you live in a place with more refined dining so it all evens out right?

As it relates to value, thats been my argument all along. There are numerous considerations that make the Max worth serious consideration, not cheap dismissal over a number as so many here are doing. Yep, looking at you.

I will say this, sitting from a position of actually USING the Max, not just reading, not just theorizing, Apple has definitely hit the ball out of the park in terms of sound quality and the soundstage they present (at least with movies, still testing music). It is going to ruin me for all other cheaper headphones.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SWAON
Because they can afford them and want them. Not a hard concept to understand.
Americans on average have less than $400 in savings. These cost $549 soooo the theory "they can afford them" doesn't add up. Seems the concept of managing finances & avoiding credit debt is VERY HARD for idiots to understand.
 
so you wanna spend an extra 250 bucks for a knob to adjust volume? otherwise bose qc35 check every other box on your list and are half the price

I have the Bose QC35ii. It doesn't check these boxes:

1. The cups are not that big. They are smaller than ATH-M50. They practically just sit on my ears.
3. The headphone does not seamlessly pair between different devices. I have to re-pair every time I need to switch over to something else. The Airpods Max will most likely act like it is paired both to my MacBook and iPhone at the same time like the Airpods Pro does.
4. Its mic sucks. Airpods Pro actually has far better mic than the QC35ii. I'm on Zoom for at least 1 hour a day so this is pretty important.
5. QC35ii with constant ANC lasts only about 15 hours max for me. Sometimes 12 if I'm watching a movie because some movies are very soft and they require the volume to be almost maxed out.

Also point #6: when it first came out, the QC35ii was $299, so it's actually not "half the price".
 
I did not expect 'agree to disagree.' Thanks. And we definitely agree that price is just a number, it's value that is the debate (which assumes you can afford, else its just a hypothetical discussion). But even here you are a tad 'judgey' regarding people who value their spending (hinting they dont get Max's) and those that don't (those that do buy the max). I do pay attention to how I spend my money, I just have a budget (and wife) that allows for such. I realize I am fortunate in that regard, and that as you say, live where Apple Products are 'cheaper' (now THAT's a concept), but hey chances are you live in a place with more refined dining so it all evens out right?

As it relates to value, thats been my argument all along. There are numerous considerations that make the Max worth serious consideration, not cheap dismissal over a number as so many here are doing. Yep, looking at you.

I will say this, sitting from a position of actually USING the Max, not just reading, not just theorizing, Apple has definitely hit the ball out of the park in terms of sound quality and the soundstage they present (at least with movies, still testing music). It is going to ruin me for all other cheaper headphones.
Well that explains your subjective justification of the product. And that's totally normal. We all base our choices on subjective reality. On that note, I subjectively don't like the headband, the weight, the polyester, lack of real protective case and touch control, no option to turn them on/off, no personal equalizer, no jack or cable included. Nor i like the crown. I'm just not sold on this, which is almost the whole headset. I don't have doubt they will sound decent, but If i need only decent sound, I'd buy something else. So money wasn't the only reason. If everything I mentioned was done properly, I would have consider giving those money because it'll be justified on many other levels, not just one or two things.

I think Apple intentionally priced them in such a way to test the water for next generation, just to see people's reactions.. they know if they list them for 350-400 most people will buy them anyway.. but they also need to feed all shareholders who approved for this product. So do satisfy them and make the product available out there, they needed to come up with such price. It's all strategy, it's all about the money.. My money and yours. So being a bit critical when comes to price and features is sometimes useful.
 
who is talking about successful?

These are overpriced for what they offer. Again, not sure why anyone would buy these. There are alternatives that are much better at this price point.

I am. Was that not clear?

They may be overpriced for you, for whatever reason. They're not for others.


"There are alternatives that are much better at this price point."

Sounds like you own a pair and have personally compared them. Please provide your assessment with details.
 
he meant who sensible person would do that.. we know the people with spare money will buy to show off how rich they are, not so much about the product value.. the same as Beats in the beginning, they were too overpriced for what they delivered. ButT hey it's a free market (that's what they say), people's choices.
who is talking about successful?

These are overpriced for what they offer. Again, not sure why anyone would buy these. There are alternatives that are much better at this price point.
They are too lazy to spend a few minutes researching a product category that they’ve never purchased.

Who cares. Other people's purchases don't affect you. What you consider overpriced or a not a great product value doesn't translate to everyone. The majority of people don't even care about the things tech nerds obsess over. Don't like them, don't buy them.
 
I have the Bose QC35ii. It doesn't check these boxes:

1. The cups are not that big. They are smaller than ATH-M50. They practically just sit on my ears.
3. The headphone does not seamlessly pair between different devices. I have to re-pair every time I need to switch over to something else. The Airpods Max will most likely act like it is paired both to my MacBook and iPhone at the same time like the Airpods Pro does.
4. Its mic sucks. Airpods Pro actually has far better mic than the QC35ii. I'm on Zoom for at least 1 hour a day so this is pretty important.
5. QC35ii with constant ANC lasts only about 15 hours max for me. Sometimes 12 if I'm watching a movie because some movies are very soft and they require the volume to be almost maxed out.

Also point #6: when it first came out, the QC35ii was $299, so it's actually not "half the price".
1. sorry but you must be andre the giant if you're telling me the qc35 cups practically sit on your ears.I personally know 4 people who have them and nobody has come close to this issue. my ears my touch at first but a little wiggle they pop right in and then i cant feel them.
3.i haven't tried to pair more than 3-5 devices with mine, so maybe my connectivity is limited. my only annoyance is when it tries to pair with something thats out of range (my laptop at work when im at home) but eventually it just goes to the next one (my phone)
4. only used the mic a little bit, but had no complaints from the other end about being difficult to understand (if anything they said it pics up on background noise too much and was asking what i was doing)
5. I guess i generalized this too much because to me, 15 hours might as well be 20 hours as i wear these all week any only have to debate throwing them on a charger come mid day on friday.
 
I am. Was that not clear?

They may be overpriced for you, for whatever reason. They're not for others.


"There are alternatives that are much better at this price point."

Sounds like you own a pair and have personally compared them. Please provide your assessment with details.
What is clear, is my post was nothing to do about the idea of "successful" so I am not sure why you bring this up?

It's not about price. It is about value for the price and at this price point, there are simply better alternatives

But please, go on and continue to think my comment was about not being able to afford it lol
 
What is clear, is my post was nothing to do about the idea of "successful" so I am not sure why you bring this up?

It's not about price. It is about value for the price and at this price point, there are simply better alternatives

But please, go on and continue to think my comment was about not being able to afford it lol

Calm down. It isn't always about you! Again, I brought up the idea. That what a discussion forum is about. If you don't get it, that's fine.
 
1. sorry but you must be andre the giant if you're telling me the qc35 cups practically sit on your ears.I personally know 4 people who have them and nobody has come close to this issue. my ears my touch at first but a little wiggle they pop right in and then i cant feel them.
3.i haven't tried to pair more than 3-5 devices with mine, so maybe my connectivity is limited. my only annoyance is when it tries to pair with something thats out of range (my laptop at work when im at home) but eventually it just goes to the next one (my phone)
4. only used the mic a little bit, but had no complaints from the other end about being difficult to understand (if anything they said it pics up on background noise too much and was asking what i was doing)
5. I guess i generalized this too much because to me, 15 hours might as well be 20 hours as i wear these all week any only have to debate throwing them on a charger come mid day on friday.

1. So you admit the cups are not that big and you still have to wiggle to get your ears in? Glad we're in agreement then. It's nitpicky, but if I can just put a pair of headphones over my head and not have to worry about wiggling anything, then that's kind of worth the cost. For the record, I actually do own headphones that make the Airpods Max seem "cheap" as well, and in the grand scheme of things, the Airpods Max has a long way to go towards maximizing comfort.

3. If you have used Airpods Pro, you'd know what I'm talking about. I can start playing music on the iPhone and it'll switch over. Then if I get a Zoom call notification on the MacBook, it'll switch over to the MacBook as well. I don't have to do anything at all for that to work. Heck, if I pair the Airpods Pro to the iPhone, it's already registered to my MacBook and iPad at the same time. The QC35ii can register multiple devices, but it doesn't have the same level of seamlessness.

4. If you use the mic more and can compare to other things, you'd know it's horrible. I guess "it's not that bad" is the keyword here, but I have experienced better.

5. Yeah, but that's the problem. If you use them more, you'd know they don't really get to 20. I'm not saying the Airpods Max will be able to get there, but in general, Apple's figures are more "attainable" than other manufacturers in my experience. So this is more of a matter of "confidence" in the level of service Apple can provide. This may be nitpicky, but the extra hours are worth it for someone else. $250 is actually the same difference I paid for my MacBook Pro M1 anyways, and that's between 17 hours of battery life in the Air vs 20 hours in the Pro. Ultimately, I judged that that was worth it. It's the same situation here.

Granted, I think I'll stick with my Airpods Pro, and will let my dad be the judge of the Airpods Max before I consider getting a pair for myself some time next year. Working from home has provided me the space to use my speakers, and/or better headphones, so there's no need for the Airpods Max right now. But when we all get back to work, this may be my option to replace the QC35ii. All of the little things it does better than QC35ii adds up to the cost difference for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: repoman016
I cannot comprehend it either. You can get a pair of way better headphones with an audio jack for much less money, and the quality of sound will be way better.

You make it sound like an analog signal is always going to be better than a digital signal, or the digital-to-analog conversation will somehow degrade the quality.

That's exactly why these headphones are priced so high.... a high quality sound experience is delivered. They don't need to be analog to do that, they just need to be well-designed.
 
that's my issue. They aren't "premium" for the price being paid.

I get the fanboyism in wanting them and maybe that's the only "reason"

So you think that because they are not $1000+, they are not equal to headphones in that price range?

Look at the XDR monitor.... competing against $10,000+ reference monitors for 1/10th the price. Apple *is* directly competing against the high-end and delivering a lower price point.

Try 'em first. Then come back and tell us what you think.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fourthtunz


With AirPods Max continuing to be in very short supply for online orders and Apple's in-store supplies also quickly selling out, it's worth noting that AT&T is currently listing AirPods Max in silver and space gray as currently available.

AirPods-Max-new-feature.jpg

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with AT&T. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

AT&T offers free shipping with delivery in three to five business days, or express shipping in two to three business for $14.95. AT&T also says curbside pickup within two hours may be available at AT&T retail stores, but we've been unable to find any stores showing stock in our spot checks.

AT&T will almost certainly sell out of these quickly, as other colors have quickly gone out of stock in just the past few minutes, so if you're looking to get AirPods Max sooner than the extended timeframes currently quoted by Apple and others, you might want to jump on this opportunity.

Update: AT&T has sold out of all colors of AirPods Max is not accepting any further orders, even on a delayed shipping schedule.

Article Link: AT&T Has AirPods Max in Stock in Silver and Space Gray for Delivery Later This Week [Update: Sold Out]
I ordered a pair from AT&T first thing in the morning at 2am CST when all colors were in stock. Then they sent me an email at 8:31pm saying "Sorry this item is not available anymore." I personally know of several others who ordered much later whose orders were fulfilled. I think it's because I'm not an AT&T customer and their system prioritizes them first, regardless of who ordered first.
 
1. So you admit the cups are not that big and you still have to wiggle to get your ears in? Glad we're in agreement then. It's nitpicky, but if I can just put a pair of headphones over my head and not have to worry about wiggling anything, then that's kind of worth the cost. For the record, I actually do own headphones that make the Airpods Max seem "cheap" as well, and in the grand scheme of things, the Airpods Max has a long way to go towards maximizing comfort.

3. If you have used Airpods Pro, you'd know what I'm talking about. I can start playing music on the iPhone and it'll switch over. Then if I get a Zoom call notification on the MacBook, it'll switch over to the MacBook as well. I don't have to do anything at all for that to work. Heck, if I pair the Airpods Pro to the iPhone, it's already registered to my MacBook and iPad at the same time. The QC35ii can register multiple devices, but it doesn't have the same level of seamlessness.

4. If you use the mic more and can compare to other things, you'd know it's horrible. I guess "it's not that bad" is the keyword here, but I have experienced better.

5. Yeah, but that's the problem. If you use them more, you'd know they don't really get to 20. I'm not saying the Airpods Max will be able to get there, but in general, Apple's figures are more "attainable" than other manufacturers in my experience. So this is more of a matter of "confidence" in the level of service Apple can provide. This may be nitpicky, but the extra hours are worth it for someone else. $250 is actually the same difference I paid for my MacBook Pro M1 anyways, and that's between 17 hours of battery life in the Air vs 20 hours in the Pro. Ultimately, I judged that that was worth it. It's the same situation here.

Granted, I think I'll stick with my Airpods Pro, and will let my dad be the judge of the Airpods Max before I consider getting a pair for myself some time next year. Working from home has provided me the space to use my speakers, and/or better headphones, so there's no need for the Airpods Max right now. But when we all get back to work, this may be my option to replace the QC35ii. All of the little things it does better than QC35ii adds up to the cost difference for me.
I have AirPods Pro and the transition between my mac iPad and iPhone are far from seamless. Half the time if I’m on my iPhone not using my AirPods then put them in they don’t even work. So seamless is completely subjective and completely incorrect. Most of my peers who have AirPods have the same issues.
 
Americans on average have less than $400 in savings. These cost $549 soooo the theory "they can afford them" doesn't add up. Seems the concept of managing finances & avoiding credit debt is VERY HARD for idiots to understand.
I think even intelligent people can get into debt. Here in the US our school systems aren't educating
us on financial matters. As far as these headphones I'm interested on hearing the reviews.
For now I will stay with my wired HD600 Sennheisers.
 
Americans on average have less than $400 in savings. These cost $549 soooo the theory "they can afford them" doesn't add up. Seems the concept of managing finances & avoiding credit debt is VERY HARD for idiots to understand.
uhhh why do you think apple came out with their own credit card?????!!!!??? :D
 
I ordered a pair from AT&T first thing in the morning at 2am CST when all colors were in stock. Then they sent me an email at 8:31pm saying "Sorry this item is not available anymore." I personally know of several others who ordered much later whose orders were fulfilled. I think it's because I'm not an AT&T customer and their system prioritizes them first, regardless of who ordered first.
Order at simplymac, i ordered from them yesterday and they are getting stock tomorrow (I emailed them and asked)! Maybe you can still get yours.
 
who is talking about successful?

These are overpriced for what they offer. Again, not sure why anyone would buy these. There are alternatives that are much better at this price point.
How do you define overpriced for others who obviously value things differently than you? More importantly, why do you care how people spend their money? Please show me a better designed pair of headphones using premium materials with the level of attention, innovation and detail at $550. And since these are wearable, they can certainly be classified as a fashion statement. Put this next to a Sony or Bose and they look like embarrassingly cheap toys.

Add to that the superior ease of setup and use, ability to switch seamlessly between Apple devices, amazing sound quality (not everyone appreciates neutral sounding headphones), ability to simulate dolby Atmos, spatial audio, and best of breed mic, ANC, and transparency mode, and $550 doesn’t sound overpriced at all.

Also, 2x price does not mean 2x sound quality.. you’re lucky to get 15%-20% better sound from Beyerdynamics or Grado that cost well over $1,000 over $400 Sennheisers or AKG, for example.
 
How do you define overpriced for others who obviously value things differently than you? More importantly, why do you care how people spend their money? Please show me a better designed pair of headphones using premium materials with the level of attention, innovation and detail at $550. And since these are wearable, they can certainly be classified as a fashion statement. Put this next to a Sony or Bose and they look like embarrassingly cheap toys.

Add to that the superior ease of setup and use, ability to switch seamlessly between Apple devices, amazing sound quality (not everyone appreciates neutral sounding headphones), ability to simulate dolby Atmos, spatial audio, and best of breed mic, ANC, and transparency mode, and $550 doesn’t sound overpriced at all.

Also, 2x price does not mean 2x sound quality.. you’re lucky to get 15%-20% better sound from Beyerdynamics or Grado that cost well over $1,000 over $400 Sennheisers or AKG, for example.
I don't care how people spend their money. I just don't see the reason or any reason in getting these over better, cheaper alternatives. That is my opinion.

If you want to light your money on fire, go ahead. I dgaf
 
I don't care how people spend their money. I just don't see the reason or any reason in getting these over better, cheaper alternatives. That is my opinion.

If you want to light your money on fire, go ahead. I dgaf
That's exactly my point. It's your opinion. And IMO, and the opinion of many others, judging by sales, Airpods Max are a better value than the alternatives for the reasons I've cited. And if you dgaf, why keep posting nonsense that people are wasting their money?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.