Apple launches US$549 new AirPods Max, pricier than some iPhones, to boost holiday sales

Apple on Tuesday (Dec 8) unveiled its new AirPods Max, a couple of wireless over-ear headphones in US$549 apiece, pricier than a few of it has the other popular mobile and tablet products, found in a measure more likely to boost sales above the December holiday period.

The new AirPods, that will have up to 20 hours electric battery life, will be shipped from next Tuesday, Apple said.

They will set you back S$849 in Singapore and you will be available for order soon, according to Apple. 

Because over-hearing headphones create a seal around the ear canal, they can handle delivering higher music quality than in-ear gadgets and remain the standard form factor in professional studios. The AirPods Max version will contend with high-end headphones such as for example Bose's Noise Cancelling 700 products, which retail for US$340 with getaway discounts.

At US$549, AirPods Max headphones are more expensive than Apple's entry-level iPhone, iPad watching models. The company likewise explained on Tuesday that prices for its foundation, in-ear AirPods style and AirPods Pro style would continue to be the same at US$159 and US$249, respectively. In Singapore, AirPods start at S$239 and AirPods Pro are for sale to S$379. 

The business said the AirPods Max contains nine-microphones and two of its H1 chips, Apple's custom-designed sound processor. The microphones lessen wind noise on calls, offer noise cancellation and also adjust audio levels in real time using microphones inside ear cups.

The company's last quarter results showed a growth in sales in its accessories unit, even while earnings from its flagship iPhones dropped 20.7 %, the steepest quarterly drop in 2 yrs. For the business's fiscal 2020, accessories revenue were up 16 % at US$53.8 billion, while iPhone revenue were down 3 % at US$137.8 billion.

Apple had launched its hottest iPhone selection with faster 5G connection in October, per month later than its usual September launching, because of pandemic-linked delays.

The business also said Apple Fitness+, its US$10 monthly fitness subscription service, will be launched on Dec 14. Shares of Pelton Interactive Inc, which offers virtual health classes, were down 2 per cent in before-market trading.