Apple’s fancy AirPods Max headphones officially go on sale today, meaning that if you were lucky (or just organized) enough to have ordered them online right away, they should be winging their way to your home as you read this.
They are also available to buy in Apple Stores, although don’t expect plentiful supplies.
Apple announced its new AirPods headphones last week. The new over-the-ear headphones are the first to be released under the AirPods brand. They offer model high-fidelity, spatial audio, along with active noise cancellation in line with the AirPods Pro. They also boast a range of five colors, and a somewhat hefty price tag of $549. Apple has reportedly been working on the AirPods Max since the first-gen AirPods shipped back in 2016.
The black AirPods Max look pretty good. More subtle than the colours, but will go better with my hair once it’s red again. pic.twitter.com/5qhKEVKJ9l
— Alice Clarke (@Alicedkc) December 14, 2020
AirPods Max: Apple’s next big hit?
It remains to be seen whether AirPods Max will ultimately prove to be a big seller for Apple or, as some suspect, a niche product. Like the HomePod smart speaker, the focus appears to have been on making a pricey, uncompromising device aimed at audiophiles. Early reviews have been extremely positive — with the exception of the meme-worthy carry case.
Since it’s still the start of the day, there aren’t too many reports showing up online with people’s first impressions of the new headphones. Expect more as people wake up around the world.
— 有没有搞措 (@L0vetodream) December 15, 2020
As to your chances of finding one in your local store, you can check availability online or by calling the stores in question. I phoned round my local Apple Stores this morning. Of my four nearest Apple Stores, three had received no stock at all. The fourth had received every color of AirPods Max and still had them in stock. That suggests that there’s a degree of chance in whether you’ll find them.
Are you planning to get a pair of AirPods Max headphones today? Have you received an early order yet? Let us know in the comments below.
