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Definition: AirPods Max


Apple's over-the-ear headphones for a more immersive sound when listening to music from an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. As a Bluetooth receiver, the AirPods Max can connect to Androids and other Bluetooth-enabled audio sources.

Introduced in 2020, the Max is also a headset for phone calls. Eight microphones provide active noise cancellation, but users can turn them off or switch to Transparency mode to hear the world around them. Unfortunately, the Lightning port is only for charging and cannot be used to wire the Max to an A/V receiver or in-flight entertainment system. See Lightning connector.

Full of Sensors and Live Listen
The AirPods Max have an accelerometer along with an optical, position and case-detect sensor in each ear cup. The left ear has a gyroscope. The Max turns on when it is worn and off when removed. As people move their heads, the gyroscope and accelerometer maintain the same spatial 3D audio feeling (only on Apple devices). Live Listen allows wearers to hear what is going on in another room by using the microphone in their iPhones. See AirPods and Earpods.




The AirPods Max
Weighing 14 ounces and available in five colors, the Max is a high-end, high-fidelity choice for music lovers. The mesh canopy distributes weight to reduce pressure on the head. Like the Apple Watch, the Max has a rotating Digital Crown that is used to control volume, skip tracks, answer calls and activate Siri. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)