It has been a year of plentiful for Apple as the company has launched a number of devices across several categories. Here’s one more, the long expected AirPods Max, which is a pair of headphones that are costly but at the same time matches offerings from Bose, Wilkins and Sennheiser.

AirPods Max, which come in five colours (space grey, silver, sky blue, green and pink), feature a “custom acoustic design” with a 40mm driver system “that provides rich, deep bass, accurate mid-ranges, and crisp, clean high-frequency extension so every note can be heard”.

Since it’s an expansion of the AirPods line, the company has ported a number of features from the earbuds, like adaptive EQ, transparency mode, spatial audio and audio sharing. To blend in with other Apple devices, especially the Apple Watch, there is the popular Digital Crown, which lets users “precisely control volume, skip between tracks, answer phone calls and activate Siri”. There’s also a separate “noise control” button for switching between noise-canceling and transparency modes.

When stored in their soft Smart Case, AirPods Max enters an ultra-low power state that preserves charge Pictures: Apple

Probably the biggest feature lies in the design department. There are memory foam cushions on each earcup to “create an immersive seal that is the foundation of incredible sound”. It’s a breathable knit mesh canopy, spanning the headband and is made to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure. The memory foam cushions attach via magnets, making them easily replaceable if the need arises.

The new device is expected to offer 20-hour battery life and charge over Apple’s Lightning connector. A five-minute charge can get you 90 minutes of playback time. Instead of the usual pouches that many headphones come in, there is a “smart case”, which automatically puts the headphones into a low-power state.

It’s interesting the way Apple is pushing its accessories and service game, which are bringing in revenues. For years, Apple has depended on Beats products for its over-the-ear offerings. Apple, in fact, bought Beats for nearly $3 billion in 2014. Since that move, the Cupertino HQ-ed company has upped its wearables business, introducing the AirPods in 2016.

Meanwhile, AirPods Max are available to order for Rs 59,900 from Apple.com and Apple Authorised Resellers. AirPods begin at Rs 14,900 and AirPods Pro for Rs 24,900.