Apples AirPods Max have really grown on me.
When they wereannounced at the end of last year, I was broadly sceptical.
As some nobody with a guitar once said though, times are a-changin.
But this could change in the headphones next generation.
Because although I love them, the AirPods Max have flaws.
Lots and lots of flaws.
It’s free, every week, in your inbox.
Lets consider one of these that arose last week.
Apple announceda lossless version of Apple Music.
Basically, this will offer users of the service the highest quality of digital music.
You canread about what that means here.
None of Apples headphones including the AirPods Max are capable of playing lossless audio.
In other words, a service Apple is offering cannot be used by its own products.
Effectively, how it can take them from good to excellent.
Youre welcome, Mr. Tim Apple.
First though…
Whats good about the AirPods Max?
First up, of course, is the integration in the Apple ecosystem.
Next is the build quality of the AirPods Max.
Honestly, Im not sure Ive ever come across a pair of headphones that appear so solid and well-made.
At least, nothing in the close price range.
Then, we come onto the noise-cancelling.
You name it, with the AirPods Max on, I cant hear it.
Now, the real meat: sound.
Ill run our superlatives to describe the AirPods Max.
These are headphones tuned for maximum enjoyment.
Everything is crisp, lush, and rich.
The sound is spacious and the presentation is excellent.
Theyre a really wonderful pair of cans.
Because as good as they are, Im still not convinced theyre worth it.
Time has not mellowed my opinion.
Aesthetics-wise, the case doesnt bother me.
All the bra-strap jokes fell a bit flat its a headphone case, who gives a shit?
No, the issue is all about function.
As in, this case is useless when it comes to being, well, a case.
A solo walk or a trip to the shop?
Ill put them on.
But if Im going to meet a friend?
They stay at home.
If you spend this much on headphones, you expect to be able to take them anywhere.
Yep, read that again.
A sentence that is so absurd I cant believe Ive written it.Again.
In fact, its already happened withthe iPad Pro and Air range.
Look, I sorta get the logic on why the AirPods Max have a Lightning port.
But… how about you change the iPhone to USB-C too, Apple?
Youd expect a pair of AirPods Max to last for at least five years.
Its connection shouldve been future-proofed.
This does exist, but it costs $35.
Just fucking include a headphone cable, Tim.
Effectively, the original lossless file is being altered along the way to your headphones.
Another element of lossless playback Id love to see is some sort of wireless option.
Bluetooth has technical limitations on bandwidth effectively it cant reliably stream files the size of lossless digital music.
But there are other options.
Cheaper battery replacements
Again, not rocket science.
Who doesnt want stuff cheaper?
Currently,it costs $79to replace the AirPods Max battery.
Of course, thisll never happen.
Theres money in repairs.
The company makes more money long term by enticing people into its ecosystem.
But a proper Android app would be nice, wouldnt it?
While this is a great feature, sometimes I feel a slight discomfort because the effect is so strong.
Well, there you go, Apple.
A whole load of ideas about how to make the next version of the AirPods Max even better.
Ill be waiting for the short film in my honor during your next event.
