One day after their official launch, AirPods Max have now become available in select Apple Stores for same-day pickup in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
AirPods Max are currently available for pickup in some stores in Space Gray and Silver, but other colors remain largely unavailable with some exceptions. In-store pickup options are available either today or tomorrow in most major stores.
For those interested, many stores also have the optional Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable in stock in both black and white colors.
To initiate the pickup process, add the AirPods Max to your cart on Apple.com and select the "I'll pick it up" option during checkout. Next, select a pickup date and a 15-minute check-in window, enter your personal information, and complete payment online. Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID with you to your appointment, and remember that health precautions such as face coverings and temperature checks are currently in effect.
AirPods Max are Apple's new premium over-ear headphones, featuring active noise cancellation, spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and more. Priced at $549, the headphones are designed with memory foam ear cushions, a stainless steel frame, and a mesh headband. Like the Apple Watch, the AirPods Max have a Digital Crown for volume control and Siri, and there's an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup for instant pairing with Apple devices.
The pickup option has yet to go live in some European countries, and inventory will likely fluctuate, so act fast if interested. AirPods Max still face a lengthy 12-14 week delivery estimate for online orders.
Today is the official launch day for the AirPods Max, Apple's newest headphones in the AirPods family. AirPods Max are a little bit controversial because of the high price, so we picked up a pair to see what you're getting for that $549 price tag.
AirPods Max have aluminum ear cups that are cool to the touch with mesh padded ear cushions and a mesh headband. Design wise, the headphones look and feel premium when it comes to build quality. There's a Digital Crown on the top which is a nice physical control method, along with a button for controlling Active Noise Cancellation.
The buttons work well, but we missed the inclusion of a power button as there's no way to turn the headphones off. They go into standby mode when removed or an ultra low power mode right when put in the case, but otherwise there's no power control option.
Speaking of the case, it's not great. It looks weird and it doesn't offer much protection at all because it's made from a soft material. The case doesn't cover the headband, and there are openings at the bottom too, so it's not something you're going to want to toss in a bag with your $549 headphones inside.
The case also doesn't charge the headphones (there's a USB-C to Lightning cable included for that), and it's made from a smart cover-like material that may attract dust and dirt.
When it comes to comfort, the AirPods Max didn't cause pain even though they're very heavy, but we've only used them for a short period of time so far. In the amount of time we've had them, we've been impressed with the comfort level and the way the mesh band distributes weight on the head. The telescoping arms for adjusting fit are also a nice touch, and overall, everything feels premium.
By the way, the ear cushions are magnetic and pop off, so if you want to buy a second set for $69 when Apple starts selling them, you can mix and match colors. The headband isn't removable though, so the ear cushions are the only customization option.
AirPods Max have all of the same H1 features that other AirPods do, so expect quick pairing, easy device swapping, and long Bluetooth range. They have Adaptive EQ to adjust the sound to the fit on your head, and Active Noise Cancellation. We're going to go more in-depth on Active Noise Cancellation in a future video that compares the AirPods Max to other noise cancelling headphones, but so far, the noise cancellation is excellent.
In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Max sound amazingly crisp, even at high volume levels. Combined with the Active Noise Cancellation, it's an isolating experience that completely blocks out the outside world.
We haven't been able to test battery life, but Apple says the AirPods Max will last for up to 20 hours before needing a recharge. There's also a quick charge feature that gives you over an hour of battery life after five minutes.
AirPods Max now have a 12 to 14 week wait if you're ordering online for shipping, but you may be able to get them in an Apple retail location if you check each morning now that in store pickup is available.
Have you picked up AirPods Max? Are they worth the price? Let us know in the comments.
Apple today announced that it has renewed Apple TV+ series "Servant" for a third season ahead of its second season premiere on January 15, 2021.
"Servant" was one of the first shows on Apple TV+, and it was popular with Apple TV+ subscribers. Apple renewed it for a second season not long after the first season debuted.
"Servant" is a horror thriller produced by M. Night Shyamalan, who has also directed a few of the episodes. The series follows a Philadelphia couple who are in mourning after losing their child. Their baby, Jericho, is replaced by a reborn doll that the mother thinks is real, and a strange nanny, Leanne, is hired to look after the doll. After Leanne arrives, bizarre things start happening to the family.
Apple says the 10-episode second season will "take a supernatural turn" with a darker future for all involved as Leanne returns to the brownstone and her true nature is revealed.
The show stars Lauren Ambrose, Nell Tiger Free, Rupert Grint, and Toby Kebbell. The full first season of "Servant" is available on Apple TV+.
Twitter-owned app Periscope today announced that the dedicated app for the live video service will be shut down by March 2021 now that most of the Periscope functionality has transitioned into the Twitter app.
The Periscope app in its current state is in an "unsustainable maintenance-mode state" with declining usage and rising costs. The Periscope team says that leaving the app as is "isn't doing right by the current and former Periscope community or by Twitter."
The writing has been on the wall for Periscope because the app's core capabilities are already available through Twitter. In fact, the Periscope team says that the app would have been pulled sooner but projects were reprioritized because of the events of 2020.
Periscope will be removed from app stores by March 31, but starting with the next release, there will be no option to create a new account in the app. Broadcasts shared to Twitter will be available as replays, and all Periscope users will be able to download an archive of broadcasts and data before the app is removed.
Although it's time to say goodbye, the legacy of Periscope will live on far beyond the boundaries of the app itself. The capabilities and ethos of the Periscope team and infrastructure already permeate Twitter, and we're confident that live video still has the potential of seeing an even wider audience within the Twitter product.
Going forward, people will be able to broadcast using Twitter Live within the compose view by tapping on the in-app camera option. Brands, publishers, and creators can go live using Media Studio.
Apple yesterday introduced a new ProRAW format that's available on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, allowing pro photographers to have more control over their images without losing the benefits of Apple's computational photography software.
An image with ProRAW and without, from Halide
Ben Sandofsky, one of the developers behind popular camera app Halide, did a deep dive into ProRAW to explain how the feature works. ProRAW, says Sandofsky, is about making RAW a more approachable format, and he believes that it could change how beginners and experts alike shoot and edit photos.
A standard RAW photo includes no processing so that people can make edits on their own and tailor an image to personal preference. It's great on DSLRs, but on iPhones, there's so much going on behind the scenes that a standard RAW was never going to be an option.
As Sandofsky explains, iPhones have a lot of computational tricks going on behind the scenes. For many shots, iPhones take several photos and then combine them all into one to make the best possible image, none of which works with a RAW file. Standard RAW modes in third-party camera apps were also not able to work with all of the iPhone cameras.
That's why ProRAW is a great step forward. It keeps the behind-the-scenes magic that the iPhones do when capturing a photo, but gives photographers control over white balance, noise control, and more by storing computational photography inside the RAW format. Plus ProRAW works with the front-facing camera and all of the rear cameras on the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max.
ProRAW preserves Smart HDR info, Deep Fusion, and Apple's depth detection functionality, all of which goes into making iPhone photos look the way they do through software enhancements.
Apple worked with Adobe to introduce a new type of tag into the DNG standard, called a "Profile Gain Table Map." This data gives your editor everything it needs to know to tone map your photo image and end up with results identical to the first party camera. Because it's separate data, you can turn down its strength, turn it off completely.
Sandofsky also points out the RAW editing functionality that's been added in iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, and macOS Big Sur 11.1, making it much easier to work with ProRAW photos. Casual users who don't often deal with RAW files will be able to use Apple's tools.
The most underrated improvement in iOS 14.3 is that the native Photos app now supports RAW editing. This is huge, because it abstracts away all the complexity of higher-end apps. No fiddling with "black point" and "color profiles." Casual users who only know how to edit photos in the built-in apps don't have to do anything different. It just works.
ProRAW does have a few downsides, such as working on the Pro iPhones only and slower processing times, plus it doesn't work with Burst Mode nor can ProRAW photos be shared as is on social networks at this time. It still lags behind traditional RAW files in terms of sharpness and noise reduction, according to Sandofsky, and the file size is around 25MB, which is going to eat up storage space fast.
The Halide app has been updated with ProRAW support, and the app features a new ProRAW+ mode that captures a ProRAW image and a JPG for simple sharing. There are options to toggle between the standard RAW format and ProRAW, along with a few other benefits for Halide users.
The full post from Halide's developers delves further into the benefits of ProRAW with a full explanation of how a digital camera works and how ProRAW is different than a traditional RAW, and it's well worth reading for those who want to learn more about Apple's newest photography feature.
AirPods Max photos shared by MacRumors forum member Boardiesboi
MacRumors forum member Boardiesboi picked up a pair of AirPods Max from an Apple Store and said they are "premium quality" and "very well made," adding that the stainless steel and aluminum design is "miles ahead" of the plastic used in Bose's QuietComfort 35 II and Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones. They also found the AirPods Max to have better sound quality and active noise cancellation than those Bose and Sony options.
Boardiesboi finds the ear cups to be "light and airy," but said the AirPods Max are "much heavier" than Bose and Sony headphones. "I've been wearing them for 45 mins or so and I'm starting to notice the weight on the ears (not the top of the head)," they said. (Apple says the AirPods Max headband is designed to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure.)
Of course, not everyone is as impressed with the AirPods Max. MacRumors forum member Macaday said that while the AirPods Max have superior build quality and aesthetics, they weren't convinced they are better than Sony's WH-1000XM3 headphones:
Mine arrived a couple of hours ago and although it's too early to make a final call - on initial impressions I'm not sure I like them over my Sony XM3's. The sound signature is no doubt very pleasing to some but to me it lacks warmth and depth compared to the Sony's. The Sony's are also a lot comfier, you forget you're wearing them where as the AirPods Max really have a weighty presence that feels like pressure on your head and ears.
I'm a little shocked if I'm honest that the Sony's have a much more pleasing sound. The AirPods Max probably have a little more detail in the mids and highs but being able to EQ the Sony's means I can get a much more custom sound that suits me.
Max volume is also higher on the Sony's which helps with the quieter recordings. Both have no distortion at high volumes.
Build quality and looks go hands down to Apple, the crown to control the volume is brilliant but sound and comfort is surely the number one priority and that is where I'm afraid the Sony's win - so far.
MacRumors forum member LongWayHome ranked Bose's QuietComfort 35 II and Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones ahead of the AirPods Max in terms of comfort, noting that the AirPods Max are heavy:
I've owned these now for about an hour, and they sound fantastic and theh noise cancellation is excellent. One thing to keep in mind though, these things are heavy. I've been wearing them for an hour and I can definitely feel the weight of them. I hope this doesn't turn into something that I don't like wearing for extended times due to the weight, but I think most everyone will feel it when they wear them.
MacRumors forum member Moriarty emphasized that the AirPods Max ear cups are "deep and spacious," and they feel this deserves more attention:
The earcups are deep and spacious (at least as big as my QC25). My ears touched the insides of the XM4 so I returned them: I do not have this problem with the AirPods Max. I feel like this feature has not gotten half the attention that it deserves. So many wireless headphones have far too small earcups and I cannot stand it. No such problem here. This is partly why the headphones are so big. Most of the depth is taken up by the earcup and the driver, and all the electronics are around the edge. It’s very well thought out.
Several customers expressed appreciation for the physical controls on the AirPods Max, compared to touch controls on some other over-ear headphones. Like the Apple Watch, the AirPods Max have a Digital Crown for volume control, playback, phone calls, and Siri, as well as a noise control button for switching between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes, the latter of which lets a bit more outside sound in.
Like reviewers, many customers agree that the "Smart Case" carrying case included with the AirPods Max ranges from "useless" to "awful."
"It's almost like Apple's design team forgot about the case and they got one of the cleaners to design it on a piece of paper," quipped MacRumors forum member honglong1976. "The case is absolutely useless for travelling."
Priced at $549, the AirPods Max are available to order on Apple.com, but they currently have a lengthy 12-14 week delivery estimate. For more impressions, visit the AirPods subforum in the MacRumors forums. And if you're still waiting on your AirPods Max, track your order alongside other Apple fans in our pre-order discussion thread.
ProRAW is a RAW format for iPhone that also takes advantage of all of the computational photography features that Apple builds into the iPhone. As Mann explains, it combines the computations necessary for accurate imaging with user control over preference parameters like white balance, noise reduction, sharpening, and more.
To test the new ProRAW feature, Mann used the iPhone 12 Pro Max to shoot a meteor shower at night. He took the same photo in both ProRAW and standard mode and edited the photos in Lightroom. The ProRAW version captures more detail in the sky, highlighting the stars that were erased by noise reduction in the standard image.
Standard HEIC image on left, ProRAW image on right
Mann includes a video on the benefits of ProRAW when it comes to HDR scenes that have bright sunlight and shadows, as well as the expanded color range. Images shot in ProRAW are 12-bit color, allowing for more nuanced shades and a significant improvement in color depth.
With 12-bit color, 14 stops of dynamic range, and dramatically more creative control, Apple ProRAW is a massive leap forward in professional imaging with iPhone. I'm now comfortable relying on my iPhone 12 Pro to capture a strong photograph in virtually any light conditions because I know I'm able to custom tailor the processing to my taste, instead of relying on computational generalizations designed for most users.
According to Mann, shooting in ProRAW makes the most sense in extreme scenarios where Apple's general algorithms are unable to do all the work. Indoor mixed lighting, extreme low light, and super high dynamic range images have the potential to benefit from ProRAW settings.
Mann points out that ProRAW files must be edited and are not ready to be shared straight out of the camera, and the feature is not available in Portrait or Panoramic mode. Mann has additional tips on shooting in ProRAW in his full piece on the new feature.
Following yesterday's release of iOS 14.3, Apple today released new 14.3 software for the HomePod. The update comes a little over a month after the release of the 14.2 update that brought support for new Siri and Intercom features.
The HomePod 14.3 is available for the HomePod and the HomePod mini, and according to Apple's release notes, the update includes general performance and stability improvements.
HomePod software is installed automatically on the HomePod unless the feature is disabled, but the HomePod can also be manually updated by following the instructions in our HomePod update how to.
Core Office apps, including Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote are now able to run faster on M1 Macs. Microsoft has used the Universal app binary so the apps will also continue to run as normal on Intel Macs.
According to Microsoft, the updates are going out today, and users can check the Mac App Store, use AutoUpdate in a Microsoft app, or wait for an automatic update.
The updated Outlook for Mac app that's available today now includes support for iCloud accounts, allowing work and personal emails, contacts, and calendars in one app. This will be rolling out to Outlook for Mac users in the coming weeks.
Microsoft says that it is working to bring native M1 support to additional apps, including Teams for Mac. Microsoft has also been redesigning some of its Office for Mac apps with an updated Office Start experience for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, and these updates will be available starting next month.
Update: Microsoft has also released a new version of its Visual Studio Code app that's designed for M1 Macs. It is available to those who participate in Microsoft's Insider program.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with AT&T. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
AT&T offers free shipping with delivery in three to five business days, or express shipping in two to three business for $14.95. AT&T also says curbside pickup within two hours may be available at AT&T retail stores, but we've been unable to find any stores showing stock in our spot checks.
AT&T will almost certainly sell out of these quickly, as other colors have quickly gone out of stock in just the past few minutes, so if you're looking to get AirPods Max sooner than the extended timeframes currently quoted by Apple and others, you might want to jump on this opportunity.
Update: AT&T has sold out of all colors of AirPods Max is not accepting any further orders, even on a delayed shipping schedule.
Apple today shared the trailer for upcoming Billie Eilish documentary "The World's A Little Blurry," which is set to launch on Apple TV+ and in theaters in February 2021.
Apple paid $25 million for the rights to the documentary, which follows the 18-year-old singer-songwriter's life after the launch of her debut album in March 2019.
The documentary is described as a "true coming of age story" that will offer a "deeply intimate look" at her rise to stardom.
"Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry" tells the true coming-of-age story of the singer-songwriter and her rise to global superstardom. From award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler, the documentary offers a deeply intimate look at this extraordinary teenager's journey, at just seventeen years old, navigating life on the road, on stage, and at home with her family, while writing, recording and releasing her debut album "WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?"
Eilish's album, "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" earned her several Grammy awards including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and more. "The World's A Little Blurry" documentary is directed by R.J. Cutler, who has also directed movies like "If I Stay" and "Listen to Me Marlon." Additional info on the documentary can be found in Apple's press release.
Big tech companies, including Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook, could soon face new wide-reaching regulations in the European Union, under new legislation presented today by the European Commission (via CNBC).
Amid concern for smaller European companies looking to compete in the European market, the European Commission today presented two new pieces of legislation that aim to strictly regulate how big tech companies operate in the EU.
The Digital Markets Act, which has been planned for some time, includes the prohibition of self-preferencing. This means that App Store search results, for example, cannot preference apps made by Apple itself over third-party apps. Moreover, companies will be obliged to allow users to uninstall all pre-installed apps. Performance metrics will also have to be shared for free with advertisers and publishers.
Apple has already gone some way to meeting the rules set out in the Digital Markets Act. For example, as of iOS 10, Apple has allowed users to uninstall default apps. Likewise, last year, Apple adjusted its App Store search algorithm so that fewer of its own apps appear at the top of search results. Nevertheless, Apple will be equally obligated to meet the demands of the legislation, including sharing its internal metrics, if and when it comes into law.
Failure to comply with the rules may result in hefty fines, as high as ten percent of the company's worldwide annual turnover. It is hoped that the regulation will result in long-term, meaningful changes, rather than just repeatedly fining rule breaches.
Another measure to punish big tech companies is forced disinvestment. Systematic rule breaches could result in the demand that companies sell parts of their business "if no other remedy is available."
On the other hand, the Digital Services Act is designed to tackle illegal and harmful content by obliging platforms to rapidly remove it. Large fines also follow breaches in this area. The EU's competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, said that the two proposals would serve a dual purpose:
To make sure that we, as users, have access to a wide choice of safe products and services online. And that businesses operating in Europe can freely and fairly compete online just as they do offline.
Although the two pieces of legislation must be approved by European governments, there are reportedly indications that they could come into force faster than usual. Other governments around the world have also announced tougher regulations on big tech, such as the UK government, which has also announced a fine of ten percent of global turnover unless platforms fail to remove illegal content quickly.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Apple yesterday released macOS Big Sur version 11.1, with headline new features including AirPods Max support, privacy labels in the Mac App Store, a dedicated Apple TV+ tab in the TV app, and the ability to edit ProRAW photos in the Photos app.
Another notable change mentioned in the update's release notes is the ability for iPhone and iPad apps with non-resizable windows to enter full-screen mode on Macs with the M1 chip, which is particularly useful for video apps like HBO Max. macOS 11.1 also allows iPhone and iPad app windows to be switched between landscape and portrait orientations.
As noted by The 8-Bit, users on Reddit have confirmed that full-screen mode works as expected with games like XCOM and Tropico.
It is only possible to run iPhone and iPad apps on Macs with the M1 chip, which shares the same Arm architecture as A-series chips in the iPhone and iPad. Mobile apps are labeled with "Designed for iPhone" or "Designed for iPad" in the Mac App Store.
macOS 11.1 allows the HBO Max iPad app to go full screen. Our long national nightmare is over.
— Chris Domico (@chrisdomico) December 14, 2020
Mozilla today released Firefox version 84 with native support for Apple Silicon Macs with the M1 chip, touting "dramatic performance improvements" over the previous, unoptimized version of the web browser.
Specifically, Firefox now launches over 2.5 times faster and web apps are now twice as responsive, according to Mozilla.
If you are using a Mac with the M1 chip, Mozilla says you will need to fully exit and restart Firefox after upgrading to version 84 in order for the browser to run natively on Apple Silicon. Mozilla promises not only faster performance, but also better battery life.
Firefox 84 is also the final version to support Adobe Flash.
Apple recently shared a list of popular apps optimized for M1 Macs that are available in the Mac App Store, such as Pixelmator Pro, Adobe Lightroom, Affinity Designer, Darkroom, Fantastical, OmniFocus, BBEdit, Instapaper, and Twitter. Apple boasted that apps optimized for the M1 chip deliver "game-changing speed and capabilities."
Last month, Apple released its first Macs with the M1 chip, including a new 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini.
In short, the filing explains how a Touch ID fingerprint scanner could be integrated into the Side Button of an Apple Watch and what practical purposes it could serve:
The processor may apply the biometric identification for any of several purposes; for example, user identification, device unlocking, and application authorization.
It is easy to see why Apple could add Touch ID to the Apple Watch. Currently, the Apple Watch is dependent on use of a passcode and does not promt for it again until the device is removed from the wrist. Biometric authentication would allow Apple to guarantee Apple Watch users a superior level of security when putting on the device or making an Apple Pay transaction.
The implementation is extremely similar to the Power Button-based Touch ID sensor introduced on the fourth-generation iPad Air, which has also proven that the technology has shrunk over time and Apple continues to be interested in it for commercial applications.
The second filing, spotted by AppleInsider, is titled "Electronic devices with two-stage displays." It outlines how a display can be layered to contain a camera and a flash which are only externally visible when needed.
The two-stage display technology would also work for other devices such as the iPhone, thereby eliminating the notch, but interestingly, the patent focuses on the Apple Watch.
The technology works by layering a pixel array for displaying images and an outer layer with an array of light modulator cells that can become transparent or block out light. Some of these cells "may be placed into a transparent mode to form a window" to allow the camera to function.
When it is desired to capture images, control circuitry in the electronic device may temporarily place the shutter in a transparent mode to allow light from a flash and/or light being imaged by the camera to pass.
This two-stage display solution has the added benefit of each layer being able to react differently. For example, one layer could be fast-reacting for video or animations, while another could be slower for displaying static images or text. This may also improve the Apple Watch's battery life.
Although the patents do not necessarily reveal Apple's immediate plans for the Apple Watch, they do offer an interesting insight into what the company is researching and developing. Adding Touch ID and a camera would certainly present a major upgrade from current Apple Watch models.
In an interview last week Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted that more sensors could be coming to the Apple Watch, potentially giving these patents more weight. Asked about the future of the product, Cook said Apple is still "in the early innings" with the device, noting that the company is testing "mind blowing" capabilities in its labs. "Think about the amount of sensors in your car," said Cook, adding "and arguably, your body is much more important than your car." It is yet to be seen if Touch ID and a camera will be added to the Apple Watch any time soon, but it is not difficult to imagine Apple implementing them at some point in the future.
Following the launch of the AirPods Max this week, Apple has shared a series of support documents with helpful details about the headphones. Apple has also shared some helpful tips on getting started with its new Fitness+ workout service.
How the LED Status Light Works on AirPods Max
On the bottom of the right ear cup of the AirPods Max, there is a small LED status light that serves multiple purposes.
If you press the noise control button when your AirPods Max are connected to power, the status light will turn green if the charge has more than 95% remaining, or amber if the charge has less than or equal to 95% remaining, according to Apple.
If you press the noise control button when your AirPods Max aren't connected to power, Apple says the status light will turn green if the charge has more than 15% remaining, or amber if the charge has less than or equal to 15% remaining.
If you're experiencing issues with your AirPods Max, the headphones can be rebooted by pressing and holding the noise control button and the Digital Crown until the status light flashes amber. You can also reset your AirPods Max to factory settings and unpair them from your iCloud account by pressing and holding the noise control button and the Digital Crown for 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.
AirPods Max Aren't Water Resistant
Apple has confirmed that the AirPods Max aren't waterproof or water resistant, advising users to "be careful not to get moisture in any openings." Apple says the headphones can be cleaned with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, or gently wiped with disinfecting wipes, but the wipes should not be used on the meshed part of the headband or ear cushions.
Priced at $549, the AirPods Max are available to order on Apple.com, but online orders currently face a lengthy 12-14 week delivery estimate — same-day pickup is also available at select Apple Stores while supplies last. The headphones feature a premium stainless steel design with active noise cancellation, spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and more.
Apple Fitness+ requires iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, watchOS 7.2, and tvOS 14.3 or later. The service is available through a new tab in the Fitness app on iPhone, while iPad users can get the Fitness app from the App Store. On the Apple TV, the Fitness app automatically appears once users install tvOS 14.3. The service requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
While the AirPods Max face a lengthy 12-14 week delivery estimate for online orders, Apple's new over-ear headphones are now available for same-day pickup at select Apple retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the United States, the AirPods Max are currently available for pickup in all color options except Sky Blue, as noted by 9to5Mac's Michael Steeber.
To initiate the pickup process, add the AirPods Max to your cart on Apple.com and select the "I'll pick it up" option during checkout. Next, select a pickup date and a 15-minute check-in window, enter your personal information, and complete payment online. Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID with you to your appointment, and remember that health precautions such as face coverings and temperature checks are currently in effect.
AirPods Max are Apple's new premium over-ear headphones, featuring active noise cancellation, spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and more. Priced at $549, the headphones are designed with memory foam ear cushions, a stainless steel frame, and a mesh headband. Like the Apple Watch, the AirPods Max have a Digital Crown for volume control and Siri, and there's an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup for instant pairing with Apple devices.
The pickup option has yet to go live in some countries, including the UK, and inventory will likely fluctuate, so act fast if interested.
Amazon is discounting the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE to $249.00, down from $309.00, which is a price even cheaper than those seen on Black Friday. You'll only find this sale in the Space Gray Aluminum model with a Black Sport Band, while the other colors are priced around $279-$299.
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This is the lowest price that we've ever tracked for the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE, and Amazon is still promising Christmas Day delivery, so it makes for a good bit of last-minute holiday shopping as well. While the 40mm GPS models are on sale, they aren't quite at their lowest ever price, so you'll find them priced at $249.00 as well, down from $279.00.
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