Omar Khalid
Apple's AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones with a mostly metal build. The stainless steel headband and aluminum ear cups are designed to be sturdy and durable, but this also makes them heavy. The metal headband is covered by a soft fabric, which some reviewers feel could be easily damaged. The AirPods Max case is also criticized for not offering enough protection. In this discussion, we will explore the pros and cons of the metal design of the AirPods Max.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Build Material | Metal and Plastic |
| Weight | 385 grams |
| Noise Cancellation | Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time |
| Charging | USB-C charging |
| Automatic Switching | Yes |
| On-head detection | Yes |
| Audio Sharing | Yes |
| Always-on Siri | Yes |
| Dynamic Head Tracking | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
The AirPods Max case is made of metal
The metal AirPods Max have a premium look and feel. The mesh is of good quality and not loose, and the headband is brilliantly designed to distribute weight evenly, making the headphones comfortable to wear. The ear cups are very comfortable and have soft padding that can be replaced and customized with different colors. The strong clamping force is a common problem with heavy headphones, and the pressure points will differ depending on the shape of the wearer's head.
The metal AirPods Max have impressive sound quality and top-notch noise-canceling abilities. They are compatible with Apple's ecosystem and have features such as transparency mode, automatic switching between Apple devices, and on-head detection. The digital crown, which controls volume and playback, is smooth but sensitive, and tiny sensors inside the ear cups automatically pause playback when the headphones are taken off.
The metal AirPods Max offer a luxurious experience with their weighty and sturdy feel, impressive sound, and noise-canceling capabilities. The case, while not the most protective, complements the headphones by showcasing and protecting the metal from minor scratches.
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The headband is made of stainless steel
The headband of the AirPods Max is made of stainless steel. This is a unique design choice by Apple, as stainless steel is not commonly used in headphone construction. The stainless steel headband provides a sleek and modern look to the AirPods Max, and it also has some functional benefits.
One of the key benefits of the stainless steel headband is its durability. Stainless steel is a strong and robust material that can withstand everyday use and provide a long-lasting solution for headphone wearers. The stainless steel headband also provides a secure and stable fit, ensuring the headphones remain comfortably in place during use.
In addition to its durability, the stainless steel headband offers a smooth and seamless adjustment system. The telescopic arms of the headband smoothly extend, allowing for a consistent fit and seal around the head. This adjustability ensures a comfortable and customised listening experience for users with different head sizes and shapes.
While the stainless steel headband provides a sturdy framework, Apple has also incorporated a breathable knit mesh canopy that spans the headband. This mesh canopy distributes the weight of the headphones, reducing on-head pressure and enhancing comfort during extended periods of use. The mesh canopy also helps to create an optimal acoustic seal, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
The combination of stainless steel and mesh in the headband of the AirPods Max showcases Apple's attention to detail and innovation in design. By utilising stainless steel, Apple has created a headband that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, providing durability, adjustability, and comfort for users.
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The ear cups are made of aluminium
The ear cups of the AirPods Max are made of aluminium. This gives the headphones a sturdy, premium feel. The metal ear cups are a defining feature of the AirPods Max, setting them apart from other headphones.
The aluminium ear cups are comfortable and feel amazing. The plush padding and light fabric headband are nice, and the weight is distributed evenly. The headband is brilliantly engineered, and the ear cups are magnetic, making them easy to attach and detach. The aluminium also makes the AirPods Max durable and gives them a luxurious look and feel.
The aluminium ear cups are a key factor in the headphones' noise-cancelling capabilities. The metal cups provide a good seal around the ears, blocking out external noise and providing an immersive listening experience. The noise-cancelling feature can be turned off with the click of a button, allowing you to hear your surroundings.
While the aluminium ear cups offer many benefits, some users have noted that the metal build makes the AirPods Max quite heavy. Weighing in at 385 grams, they are much heavier than other top noise-cancelling headphones on the market. This weight can cause discomfort for some users, especially during extended listening periods.
The aluminium ear cups of the AirPods Max offer a combination of durability, comfort, and immersive sound. While the weight of the metal may be a drawback for some, the overall construction and performance of the AirPods Max make them a solid choice for those seeking premium headphones.
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The circuit boards contain recycled metals
Apple's AirPods Max contain a number of recycled metals in their circuit boards. The solder on the printed circuit boards is made from 100% recycled tin, while the plating is made from 100% recycled gold. In addition, the copper plating salts on the circuit boards are also 100% recycled. These recycled metals are an important part of the AirPods Max construction, and their use is in line with Apple's commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing waste.
The use of recycled materials in the circuit boards of the AirPods Max is a significant step towards sustainability. Circuit boards are essential to the function of AirPods, as they contain the electrical circuitry that enables the device to operate. The small circuit boards contain a vast number of materials and require intricate processing to create. The conductive circuit board, with attached integrated chipsets (IC), and the necessary inputs and outputs, are constructed with multiple levels of thin glass fabric coated with resin. Copper, a conductive metal, is commonly used as a contact point and is laminated, imaged, and etched into the circuit.
Apple has recognised the environmental impact of the raw materials used in AirPods, which are sourced and transported through energy-intensive methods. By increasing the use of recycled materials, Apple has been able to reduce its carbon emissions and waste from mining. In 2020, over 25% of the tin used in Apple products was sourced from recycled materials, and the company has projected to further scale the usage of recycled materials. This is particularly important for reducing waste from mining rare metals, such as neodymium and cobalt, which are used in AirPods.
The AirPods Max also feature more than 90% post-consumer recycled polyester in the canopy yarn and ear cushion yarn. This high level of recycled content demonstrates Apple's commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of their products. The company has also developed disassembly robots called Liam, which are designed to extract and separate metals from iPhones for repurposing, further contributing to their recycling and sustainability efforts.
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The weight of the AirPods Max
The AirPods Max is a set of wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones designed by Apple. They were released on December 15, 2020, and are Apple's highest-end option in the AirPods lineup. The AirPods Max features an over-ear headphone design, an H1 chip in each ear cup, and Apple's Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Frequently asked questions
The AirPods Max has a mostly-metal build, with a stainless steel headband and aluminium ear cups.
The AirPods Max are heavy, weighing in at 385 grams. This is much heavier than other top noise-cancelling headphones.
The headband is designed to distribute weight evenly, and the plush padding and light fabric headband are comfortable. However, the strong clamping force may cause discomfort for some users.
