AirPods Max type C

Design & Comfort

The AirPods Max USB-C retain the same luxurious build and ergonomic design as the original model. The anodized aluminum ear cups, stainless steel headband, and memory foam ear cushions continue to provide a premium look and feel. The build quality remains superior to most plastic-based competitors, offering durability and comfort for long listening sessions.

Apple has introduced new color options, including Midnight, Starlight, Purple, Blue, and Orange, giving users more variety to match their style. This adds a fresh touch to the lineup, making the USB-C model visually distinct from the original.

Comfort remains a priority, with the breathable knit mesh headband ensuring even weight distribution to reduce pressure on the head. The memory foam ear cushions provide a snug fit that enhances passive noise isolation while remaining comfortable over extended use.

One design element that remains unchanged is the lack of a traditional power button. Instead, the AirPods Max automatically enter a low-power mode when placed in the Smart Case. Some users have criticized this feature, as a dedicated power button would offer better manual control over battery consumption.

 USB-C Charging & Connectivity

One of the most significant changes to the AirPods Max USB-C is the transition from Lightning to USB-C. This change streamlines charging for users who already own USB-C-powered Apple devices, reducing the need for multiple cables. This makes charging more efficient and travel-friendly, as a single cable can now be used for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods.

Despite the USB-C port update, the AirPods Max do not support lossless audio over USB-C, which was a feature some audiophiles had hoped for. This means wired audio quality remains unchanged, and users must rely on Bluetooth or purchase an Apple Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter for high-resolution audio.

The USB-C update does not affect battery life, which still provides up to 20 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Spatial Audio enabled. A 5-minute charge offers 1.5 hours of listening time, making quick top-ups convenient. However, Apple has not introduced faster charging speeds, which some users may find disappointing.

Seamless connectivity remains a key strength, thanks to the H1 chip in each ear cup. Features like instant pairing, automatic device switching, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and audio sharing make the AirPods Max an excellent choice for users invested in the Apple ecosystem. However, Android users may experience reduced functionality, including the loss of auto-switching and Spatial Audio calibration.

Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the AirPods Max USB-C remains one of the best in the industry. The headphones use six outward-facing microphones and two inward-facing microphones to detect and block external noise in real-time. This allows users to enjoy music, podcasts, or calls in loud environments without distractions.

Transparency Mode remains equally impressive, allowing external sounds to pass through naturally and clearly. Unlike traditional transparency modes that sound artificial, Apple’s implementation makes it feel as if you’re not wearing headphones at all. This is especially useful for commuting, working in an office, or having conversations without removing the headphones.

Apple’s Adaptive EQ continuously adjusts the audio balance based on the ear cup seal, ensuring consistent sound quality. This means users get optimized audio performance even if the headphones shift slightly during use. This feature is particularly beneficial for long listening sessions where comfort and sound balance matter.

The beamforming microphones improve call quality and voice clarity, filtering out background noise for clearer conversations. This makes the AirPods Max a great option for professionals who need reliable high-quality audio for virtual meetings, voice calls, or Siri commands.

Audio Performance & Spatial Audio

The AirPods Max USB-C deliver premium sound quality, featuring Apple’s custom 40mm dynamic drivers. The sound profile is well-balanced, offering deep bass, detailed mids, and crystal-clear highs. Unlike bass-heavy competitors, Apple focuses on natural and accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for music enthusiasts and professionals.

Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking enhances the listening experience, making movies, TV shows, and Apple Music tracks more immersive. By tracking head movements, the AirPods Max create a 3D surround sound effect, making it feel like audio is coming from all directions. This is particularly impressive when paired with an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.

The H1 chip in each ear cup enables computational audio processing, which fine-tunes sound in real time. This ensures a consistent and optimized listening experience regardless of external conditions. Apple Music’s Lossless Audio is still not fully supported wirelessly, but users can achieve higher-quality audio with a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter.

Latency remains low when watching videos or gaming, thanks to Apple’s optimized Bluetooth technology. When used with Apple devices, there’s no noticeable delay, ensuring perfect lip-syncing in movies or YouTube videos. However, Android users may experience slightly higher latency due to the lack of Apple’s proprietary audio optimizations.