Here's what you need to know about Apple's $549 headphones, the AirPods Max

I don't think anyone was shocked at Apple when they unveiled the new AirPod Max headphones. Rumors have floated around for the past couple of years the company was developing over-the-ear headphones. But the timing of the release caught many tech pundits such as myself off guard.

So Now that the AirPod Max has come full to fruition and now available for purchase, let's have a conversation about Apple's newest $549 headsets and go over critical features.

The AirPods Max features Apple's own 40-mm dynamic drivers explicitly made for a wide range of quality audio reproduction. Apple states the dual neodymium ring magnet motor will allow the AirPods Max to preserve total harmonic distortion less than 1-percent across a wide audio range, at maximum volume.

Image source” Apple

The AirPods Max will use Apple's H1 chip, one in each ear cup, featuring a custom acoustic design, with advanced software. The headphones will feature computational audio that processes 10-audio cores per ear, capable (according to Apple) of nine billion operations per second. The H1 chip will provide Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and spatial audio.

Much like the AirPod Pro mates, the Max implemented with Transparency Mode and Spatial Audio. The gyroscope and accelerometer in the AirPods Max and iPad or iPhone will enable spatial audio to track the user's head and device's motion, compare data, then remap the entire sound field, staying anchored to the device all. At the same time, the user's head is in motion.

Sensors are paired with optical sensors that automatically detect whether or not the user's AirPods Max is on the head. Audio will resume once the headsets are in place; the AirPods Max will pause audio when the headphones are removed. Or lift one ear cup—a similar feature found in serval high-end headphones on the market.

There are beaming foam microphones that block ambient noise and focus on the user’s voice, enhancing Siri and voice calls.

The overall design of the AirPods Max stands out from many over-ear options on the market. The ear cups are constructed out of solid aluminum attached to a breathable mesh canopy that spans the headband. Apple states the material-specific purpose is to " distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure," allowing for long-lasting comfort during many hours of usage.

From what I've viewed in several YouTube videos, the stainless steel frame appears structurally sound yet flexible. According to Apple, it offers comfort for a wide variety of head shapes and sizes. The telescoping headband extends downward, remaining in place while maintaining the desired fit without having to readjust the headphones during media play.

The ear cups themselves attach to the headband through Apple's design mechanism explicitly made to balance and distribute ear cup pressure. This design type will allow the AirPods Max to pivot and rotate to fit the user's head accordingly.

Image Source: Apple

The cushion portion of the ear cups uses what Apple calls "acoustically engineered memory foam" that seals headphones to the user's head for passive sound isolation. For me, the most standout feature is the Apple Watch inspired Digital Crown situated on top of the ear cups. It will enable users to control volume, play-pause audio, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate Siri.

As claimed by Apple, there are up to 20 hours of battery life for audio playback, talk time, Active Noise Cancellation, and enabled spatial audio. Charging is made possible by a USB-C to the lightning cable provided by Apple.

Image Source: Apple

Interestingly, there is a peculiarly shaped storage case that comes with the headphones. Some have compared it to a pocketbook, while others say it resembles a bra; trust me, the memes have flooded the Internet. Odd design and all, the case serves a specific purpose as it puts the AirPods Max in an ultra-low power state preserving battery power.

The AirPods Max will come in five color options, space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink. As a reminder, the retail price is $549 and now available for purchase.