Apple’s lineup of products is undeniably successful, with each device dominating its respective category around the world. The iPhone is the best-selling phone, the iPad is the best-selling tablet, the MacBook Air is the best-selling laptop, the Apple Watch is the best-selling smartwatch, and the AirPods hold nearly 30% market share as the best-selling wireless earbuds. However, there is one exception to Apple’s track record of success: the AirPods Max.
The AirPods Max, Apple’s attempt at creating the best ANC headphones, may not be as successful as its other products. One of the main reasons for this is the steep price tag. Despite this, I believe there are significant design flaws that contribute to its lack of success.
As someone who recently purchased and tested the AirPods Max, I can attest to these design flaws. Firstly, they are incredibly uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. The headphones are heavy, weighing in at 385g, and feel like I’m balancing a fruit basket on my head. The large earcups also cause them to wobble with every movement, making them even more uncomfortable.
In addition to the discomfort, the fabric material used on the earcups gets dirty quickly and is not suitable for hot weather. After a short period of sweating, the earcups become soaked and need to be washed. The lack of an off switch is another frustrating aspect of the AirPods Max. They can only enter a low power mode when placed in the case, but they never fully turn off.
Despite these design flaws, there are some impressive features on the AirPods Max. The active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio are all noteworthy. However, Apple should focus on improving the design if they want to create a truly outstanding product.
In conclusion, while Apple’s products have a track record of success, the AirPods Max stand out as a rare misstep. The design flaws, including discomfort and lack of an off switch, hinder their potential. By addressing these issues, Apple can create an improved version in the AirPods Max 2 that will captivate consumers and solidify their position as a leader in the headphone market.
