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الوسم: AirPods Max

  • Apple’s Leaked AirPods Max Plans Show Disappointing Outlook

    Apple’s Leaked AirPods Max Plans Show Disappointing Outlook

    Apple’s entry into the high-end over-ear headphone market with the AirPods Max was generally well received. They offered excellent noise cancellation and transparency, delivering rich sound quality and a distinctive design that set them apart.

    After about five years on the market, Apple released an update that brought lossless audio with ultra-low latency, as well as the ability to customize and create Spatial Audio with head tracking capabilities. Around the same time, the company shifted from the Lightning connector to a USB-C port in a minor refresh earlier this year.

    If you’ve been holding out for a significant upgrade to the AirPods Max, it’s worth noting that Apple isn’t currently developing a new version. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company’s focus is presently on the M5 Mac, a refreshed iPad, new iPhones, an updated HomePod, and an external display — leaving the next generation of flagship headphones off the agenda for now.

    Image: The Apple AirPods Max resting on a surface, viewed from the side.

    Despite the wait, the AirPods Max remains one of the top choices in premium headphones, especially for those who prioritize effective noise cancellation and transparency modes. They maintain a unique look, and Apple’s consistent design approach suggests the basic form will likely stay the same even after five years.

    However, competitors have made notable strides in areas like weight and features. For example, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones weigh just under 9 ounces, significantly lighter than the AirPods Max’s 13.6 ounces. They also offer a sleek foldable design with excellent build quality.

    Image: A pair of blue AirPods Max sitting on a table.

    The Sony headphones also boast a 30-hour battery life with noise canceling enabled—50% more than Apple’s offering—and support customizable EQ settings accessible via a companion app compatible with both Android and iOS. Audiophiles might prefer Sony for supporting the LDAC codec, which streams high-resolution audio, whereas the AirPods Max are limited to SBC and AAC codecs.

    Price-wise, despite multiple generations, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are still priced about $100 less than the AirPods Max, which retail at around $549 in the United States. Other strong options include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sonos Arc, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, all offering a well-rounded listening experience at a lower cost.

    The future of Apple’s over-ear headphones remains uncertain. If Apple plans a long-term strategy, we might see a lighter build, enhanced audiophile features, and perhaps integration with emerging wearable AI technologies. Only time will tell what direction they take.

    Image: The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones sitting on a table.

  • Casetify Cover Adds Old Art Charm To AirPods Max

    Casetify Cover Adds Old Art Charm To AirPods Max

    Apple’s inaugural over-ear headphones have sparked quite a lively debate, split between their minimalist aesthetic and a rugged, industrial design that some might find a bit… familiar. They don’t quite qualify as artistic masterpieces, nor do they scream high fashion. But if you’ve ever thought about giving them a more stylish twist, Casetify stepped in with a bold idea: a custom headphone cover inspired by a famous piece of art.

    The accessory, called the “Girl with a Pearl Earring Collectible Headphone Cover,” is priced at $199—roughly the cost of a decent pair of noise-canceling headphones. This premium isn’t about luxe materials or technical magic; it’s really about the artwork that inspired it. The cover features a striking visual modeled after Johannes Vermeer’s legendary “Girl with a Pearl Earring” painting, complete with dangling pearl earrings on each side. It’s a vivid homage that turns the headphones into wearable art—if you’re comfortable making a statement.

    The design borrows the painting’s signature blue tones and silky texture, transforming the headphones into a piece of classic art reimagined for the modern world. However, it’s safe to say that such a high-visibility accessory is likely more suited for a red carpet appearance in Milan or a gallery opening than everyday errands, unless you’re Rihanna or Mariah Carey and ready to turn heads.

    Casetify’s creative streak doesn’t stop there. They’ve previously collaborated with organizations like The Metropolitan Museum of Art to produce cases featuring renowned artworks, as well as partnerships with the National Museum of Korea and the Museum of Ice Cream. These collaborations showcase their love for turning cultural treasures into fashionable tech accessories. Not to mention, they’ve released themed collections like a limited-edition “Dragon Ball Z Scouter” headphone case, adding a playful touch of pop culture to high-tech gear.

    Their latest project, the art-inspired AirPods Max cover, is part of a broader collection that includes various protective cases, phone charms, and watch bands inspired by museums and franchises worldwide. From the majestic works of Vermeer to beloved animated series, Casetify continues to blend art, pop culture, and technology into accessories that stand out.

    If you’re curious about exploring more of Casetify’s collaborations, their lineup is packed with designs inspired by everything from Harry Potter and NBA teams to iconic K-pop brands. Their collection is a testament to how innovative and playful tech accessories can serve as personal style statements—whether you’re on a red carpet or just out and about in your neighborhood.

  • Next-Gen AirPods Max Headphones May Take Time To Release

    Next-Gen AirPods Max Headphones May Take Time To Release

    Apple’s 2024 product announcements have been extensive. This year features flagship iPads equipped with a groundbreaking desktop processor, a more varied AirPods lineup, and a revamped Mac Mini—all elements that promise to excite users.

    However, one area of disappointment has been the high-end Max headphones. Rather than a significant refresh expected for this eagerly awaited model, users received merely a new color scheme and the addition of a USB-C port. It seems that a substantial update is still quite a ways off.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest PowerOn newsletter, Apple currently does not plan to roll out a third-generation AirPods Max. This hesitance appears to stem from their lukewarm market performance compared to other popular items in Apple’s catalog.

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    As reported, “The headphones aren’t selling well enough to warrant significant investment in their development, but they’re not failing so badly that they can be completely discarded.”

    A man wearing Apple AirPods Max headphones in a city environment.
    Riley Young/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

    Apple tends not to disclose precise sales figures for its products, making it difficult to evaluate how the headphones compare to other devices and competitors. Yet, it’s clear that the over-ear headphones haven’t enjoyed the same massive success as the AirPods true wireless earbuds.

    Despite receiving accolades for their impressive sound quality and noise-cancellation features, a price tag of $549 has proven to be a significant barrier to widespread appeal.

    The situation is further complicated by rivals like Sony and Bose, which deliver exceptional audio experiences at a more approachable price point than Apple’s offering.

    Moreover, when it comes to features and ecosystem compatibility, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 outshines the AirPods Max even though it is cheaper.

    Apple AirPods Max featuring USB-C.
    Caleb Denison/Digital Trends

    Analysts indicate that the market performance of Apple headphones has been disappointing. TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the AirPods Max would likely sell fewer than a million units in their initial launch year.

    Additionally, a report from DigiTimes, citing sources within the supply chain, described the AirPods Max as “too niche” to drive significant sales growth for Apple. With the 2024 update seemingly lacking any game-changing features, it’s unlikely to boost sales dramatically unless it comes with a more attractive price point for potential buyers.

    Bloomberg’s report emphasizes that Apple plans to maintain the AirPods Max in their current form for at least the “foreseeable future.” While there’s no confirmation on when an upgraded model might be released, given Apple’s typical product update timeline, it may be another year or two before a new version is introduced.

    Furthermore, due to the pricing strategy Apple has established, the company will likely aim to deliver aligned enhancements, a process that will take time and considerable development effort.

  • Why Frequent Flyers Should Skip USB-C AirPods Max

    Why Frequent Flyers Should Skip USB-C AirPods Max

    When Apple unveiled the latest iteration of its AirPods Max wireless noise-canceling headphones earlier this year, I was looking forward to significant improvements, such as a new case design, reduced weight, and support for lossless audio. What we received instead was USB-C charging—useful, but not groundbreaking—and a selection of new colors. This wasn’t quite the update I was hoping for.

    I’m not here to discourage you from considering the updated AirPods Max entirely. For many users, the switch to USB-C could be a compelling reason to make the purchase, particularly for those who have successfully transitioned away from Lightning-connected devices.

    That said, if you frequently find yourself on airplanes or if you’re looking for a gift for a traveler, it might be wise to hold off on the updated AirPods Max for the time being. Here’s why:

    Bluetooth connectivity is expected to be standard in all in-flight entertainment systems eventually, with some even potentially utilizing Auracast for easier wireless listening (no Bluetooth pairing needed). However, that future is still several years away. For most flyers today, the usual practice is to plug headphones into a 3.5mm audio jack (or the increasingly common dual-jack setup).

    The original AirPods Max, which came with a Lightning connector, didn’t include a 3.5mm analog audio input cable; Apple offered one as an optional accessory for $35. Regrettably, there’s no comparable accessory available for the new USB-C version of the AirPods Max. To clarify: the updated AirPods Max connect solely via Bluetooth.

    Sonos Ace travel case plus cables.
    The Sonos Ace comes with a 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

    I contacted Apple to inquire if a 3.5mm-to-USB-C cable might be on the horizon. After all, several brands, including Bowers & Wilkins, Master & Dynamic, and Sonos, have already released USB-C headphones that include these cables, indicating it’s not an unfeasible concept. As of now, I have not received a response.

    On a positive note, there is still a way to enjoy in-flight entertainment even if you opt for the USB-C AirPods Max. This is the same method that Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro users have relied on for years: purchasing a portable Bluetooth transmitter to take along when you travel.

    Bluetooth transmitters are battery-operated devices that connect to an analog source (like a seat-back entertainment system or the headphone jack on a TV) and wirelessly send audio to paired earbuds or headphones. Some transmitters even allow pairing with two devices at once.

    With Black Friday sales approaching, now might be an ideal time to invest in a transmitter. However, it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t need to buy extra accessories for a premium wireless headphone product from a brand like Apple.