Apple announces AirPod Max over the ear headphones.


Apple today introduced an over the ear version for its AirPods line. The wireless headphones are the first Apple-branded over-the-ear design, however, there have been several under Apple's Beats brand.

The AirPods Max brings many of the AirPods Pro with noise cancelation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and spatial audio. The headphones feature two of Apple's H1 chip to drive the headphone's 40mm dynamic drivers. Apple says each H1 chip has 10 audio cores capable of 9 billion operations per section. AirPod Max features nine microphones, with eight working for noise cancelation and three for voice pickup. Apple notes two microphones have shared duty. The AirPods Max also has an array of sensors for detecting wear, activity, and storage.

The AirPods Max is available for order today in multiple colors for a steep $549. They begin shipping on December 15.