Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Herrpod

macrumors 65816
May 29, 2019
1,000
1,979
Seeing how well APM is selling, I find it hard to believe that Apple would want to cannibalize its sales by releasing any cheaper versions. Even if they’ve tested any other versions, I don’t think those will be released any time soon, if ever.
How could you possibly know how well, or poorly, these are selling without knowing how many were made?
 
  • Like
Reactions: turbineseaplane

Cashmonee

macrumors 65832
May 27, 2006
1,504
1,245
Tried it for two days. I feel pain on the left hand side of my skull. It looks like the upper and upper-front of the left cup is pushing against my skull too much. Anybody else has this issue? What can I do to avoid this?
I had the same issue and it went away. It took about a week (about 40 hours of use for me) to start feeling better and 2 weeks (80 hours) to really be what I would call comfortable. They are not QC-35s but they are plenty comfortable for all day use for me.

I did also stretch them overnight in the first couple days and that seemed to help as well. The definitely have a break in period.
 

JuicelessMango

macrumors regular
Nov 11, 2018
171
377
I just picked up my pair today and don't really get the weight complaints or the uncomfortable complaints. I wore the headset for most of the day while doing things on my Ipad and Macbook and never once noticed they where on my head, I also didn't notice the excessive clamping force people seem to report.

I have a feeling everyone with these "issues" don't/have not worn other over the ear headphones before or for long periods of time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Topfry and alecgold

hajime

macrumors 604
Jul 23, 2007
7,921
1,311
Is the Sony
I had the same issue and it went away. It took about a week (about 40 hours of use for me) to start feeling better and 2 weeks (80 hours) to really be what I would call comfortable. They are not QC-35s but they are plenty comfortable for all day use for me.

I did also stretch them overnight in the first couple days and that seemed to help as well. The definitely have a break in period.

Apple should be designing products to fit the users rather than having users to go through the troubles to fit their products.

Also, just like other lines of products, they put outdated components in a device. I am sure that they can put a USB-C port in the device but they on purpose put an outdated lightning port so that they can include a USB-C port as "new" feature" in gen2 device.
 

Paninnguaq

macrumors regular
Jul 27, 2018
134
105
Is the Sony


Apple should be designing products to fit the users rather than having users to go through the troubles to fit their products.

Also, just like other lines of products, they put outdated components in a device. I am sure that they can put a USB-C port in the device but they on purpose put an outdated lightning port so that they can include a USB-C port as "new" feature" in gen2 device.
The lightning port is not outdated. The AirPods max are most likely to be used with iPhones, which have lightening ports, which means one charger and cable for both. It makes perfect sense for them to charge via lightening.
 

hajime

macrumors 604
Jul 23, 2007
7,921
1,311
The lightning port is not outdated. The AirPods max are most likely to be used with iPhones, which have lightening ports, which means one charger and cable for both. It makes perfect sense for them to charge via lightening.
I think they replaced the lighting port by USB-C port on IPP and recent iPhone?
 

alecgold

macrumors 65816
Oct 11, 2007
1,490
1,044
NLD

Apple should be designing products to fit the users rather than having users to go through the troubles to fit their products.

Also, just like other lines of products, they put outdated components in a device. I am sure that they can put a USB-C port in the device but they on purpose put an outdated lightning port so that they can include a USB-C port as "new" feature" in gen2 device.
Fit is a personal thing.
I could never fit the airpods or aerpod.
The pro’s fit me perfect just like the max.

I like the versatility of the usb-c/thunderbolt 4. But I hate the lack of physical durability/strength of it. It wears out, you need to be careful, it is fragile, its no MagSafe etc etc. It has its uses on my laptop an iPad pro, but its not perfect.
The lightning is much stronger by design, and for what it needs to do it works perfect. It’s not like you are going to stream huge amounts of data trough them, like driving a 5k display with the airpods max?!
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,114
10,906
I just picked up my pair today and don't really get the weight complaints or the uncomfortable complaints. I wore the headset for most of the day while doing things on my Ipad and Macbook and never once noticed they where on my head, I also didn't notice the excessive clamping force people seem to report.

I have a feeling everyone with these "issues" don't/have not worn other over the ear headphones before or for long periods of time.

Or they are just used to another brand. My wife just recently tried out the Bose 700 and whatever model that Sony is that is supposedly similar. They felt much lighter immediately.
 
  • Like
Reactions: turbineseaplane

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,114
10,906
The lightning port is not outdated. The AirPods max are most likely to be used with iPhones, which have lightening ports, which means one charger and cable for both. It makes perfect sense for them to charge via lightening.

Not sure iPhone users are the target audience but the cable convenience then ends at the Mac and iPad Pro products.
Inconsistent use of ports is just annoying.
 

Cashmonee

macrumors 65832
May 27, 2006
1,504
1,245
I just picked up my pair today and don't really get the weight complaints or the uncomfortable complaints. I wore the headset for most of the day while doing things on my Ipad and Macbook and never once noticed they where on my head, I also didn't notice the excessive clamping force people seem to report.

I have a feeling everyone with these "issues" don't/have not worn other over the ear headphones before or for long periods of time.

Headphone fit is very personal. On top of that, as bluetooth headphones go, the APM are most definitely the heaviest out there. I think the complaints are fair.

Is the Sony


Apple should be designing products to fit the users rather than having users to go through the troubles to fit their products.

Also, just like other lines of products, they put outdated components in a device. I am sure that they can put a USB-C port in the device but they on purpose put an outdated lightning port so that they can include a USB-C port as "new" feature" in gen2 device.

Most every pair of headphones I have owned has a break in period. Look around at headphone forums or reviews and you will see all kinds of fit issues that get better with time.

They definitely should have used USB-C.
 
  • Like
Reactions: turbineseaplane

Paninnguaq

macrumors regular
Jul 27, 2018
134
105
Not sure iPhone users are the target audience but the cable convenience then ends at the Mac and iPad Pro products.
Inconsistent use of ports is just annoying.
They had to pick one cable, and they picked the one that was most likely to already be used by their target audience. Apple have more accurate data on that than random members on this forum who have a baseless hankering for USB c.

It makes perfect sense for them to be lightning.
 
Last edited:

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,114
10,906
They had to pick one cable, and they picked the one that was most likely to already be used by their target audience. Apple have more accurate data on that than random members on this forum who have a baseless hankering for USB c.

It makes perfect sense for them to be lightning.

Yup the entire thing is a product of wisdom, from the missing charging case to the insult of case it comes with.

Nice sound I thought though, so there’s that.
 
Last edited:

Sheza

macrumors 68020
Aug 14, 2010
2,091
1,807
The QC35’s are the absolute comfort kings.
Coming from those, just on the comfort factor, most everything else will be a downgrade unfortunately.
Y'all say this but I often can't wear the QC35 for more than an hour before getting a headache, although I think that is down to ANC pressure.

Had the APM for 3 days so far. No issues with ANC pressure, which is a big plus, but now my ears kinda hurt, like physically. I think it it harder to position APM comfortably on the head whereas with the QC35 it is super easy to sort of click in to the sweet spot.
 

turbineseaplane

macrumors P6
Mar 19, 2008
17,376
40,155
Y'all say this but I often can't wear the QC35 for more than an hour before getting a headache, although I think that is down to ANC pressure.

Had the APM for 3 days so far. No issues with ANC pressure, which is a big plus, but now my ears kinda hurt, like physically. I think it it harder to position APM comfortably on the head whereas with the QC35 it is super easy to sort of click in to the sweet spot.

So -- ultimately the APM's aren't comfortable for you then?
 

Sheza

macrumors 68020
Aug 14, 2010
2,091
1,807
So -- ultimately the APM's aren't comfortable for you then?
Well, I wonder if I just haven't worked it out yet. Maybe I need to position the headband differently for example. Maybe it's the clamping force as others have said. I don't have big ears really so I'm not sure why my ears hurt.
 

ilpap

macrumors member
Mar 27, 2010
80
22
I got to wear the APM and i realised what the problem is in my case. and it is the same with the MX4s (which are sitting on my desk for months now).
The QC35s can go "lower" on the sides, so they cover the ear much better without having to force (or find the right spot) them on the top of my head. They create no pressure like that.
Both the APM and MX4s i have to move them a bit around and pull them down to make sure that my ear is fully in, and that leads to the pressure on the top of my head.

I think QC35s are simply a bit longer on the sides..

The ANC on those is not that good though in 2021.
 

hajime

macrumors 604
Jul 23, 2007
7,921
1,311
I got to wear the APM and i realised what the problem is in my case. and it is the same with the MX4s (which are sitting on my desk for months now).
The QC35s can go "lower" on the sides, so they cover the ear much better without having to force (or find the right spot) them on the top of my head. They create no pressure like that.
Both the APM and MX4s i have to move them a bit around and pull them down to make sure that my ear is fully in, and that leads to the pressure on the top of my head.

I think QC35s are simply a bit longer on the sides..

The ANC on those is not that good though in 2021.
After a week of trying, no pain anymore if wearing the APM for a short time. MX4 was uncomfortable to wear as it pushed the top of my head. So the Boss's Noise cancelling is not as good as the APM and MX4?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ilpap

ilpap

macrumors member
Mar 27, 2010
80
22
After a week of trying, no pain anymore if wearing the APM for a short time. MX4 was uncomfortable to wear as it pushed the top of my head. So the Boss's Noise cancelling is not as good as the APM and MX4?
Interesting, I am tempted to try them (the double price annoys me also).
I tried them only briefly at the store, but the APM gave me a good impression.

do the APM hurt if you were them for a few hours? MX4 are ok for me for an hour or so, but after that they are not comfy anymore

I think the MX4 are better in ANC over the QC35s in office use. I only tried once the MX4 on a flight but never again due to pressure on my head. I didn’t see big difference on the plane.
 

hajime

macrumors 604
Jul 23, 2007
7,921
1,311
Interesting, I am tempted to try them (the double price annoys me also).
I tried them only briefly at the store, but the APM gave me a good impression.

do the APM hurt if you were them for a few hours? MX4 are ok for me for an hour or so, but after that they are not comfy anymore

I think the MX4 are better in ANC over the QC35s in office use. I only tried once the MX4 on a flight but never again due to pressure on my head. I didn’t see big difference on the plane.

I think the QC35 and 700 are two years old at the same price as the one-year-old MX4? As for the MX4, it was not comfortable to wear even for a few seconds. In addition, it is well known that it cannot connect to Samsung TV. The Airpods MAX also feel kind of not so perfect for its high price. I guess I need to wait for the next generation. If I need a good headphone with excellent noise cancellation for studying while waiting for the next gen device from Boss and Apple, which would be a good buy?
 

ilpap

macrumors member
Mar 27, 2010
80
22
I think the QC35 and 700 are two years old at the same price as the one-year-old MX4? As for the MX4, it was not comfortable to wear even for a few seconds. In addition, it is well known that it cannot connect to Samsung TV. The Airpods MAX also feel kind of not so perfect for its high price. I guess I need to wait for the next generation. If I need a good headphone with excellent noise cancellation for studying while waiting for the next gen device from Boss and Apple, which would be a good buy?
The AirPods Pro are my #1 choice. They are always with me and I use every day when I commute, walk, run or talk on phone. Sometimes in the office as well. And they are more comfortable for me over any over-ear headphone

But the over-ear ones, have better audio and better ANC. So I use them when I sit on my desk or when in a plane.
Since none is perfect, I would recommend to get Bose (used ones maybe), as it is not worth paying the double price for the MAX.
 

ignatius345

macrumors 604
Aug 20, 2015
7,618
13,030
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've had mine for a few months now, and I've gotten used to the weight somewhat. Coming from the Grados and Bose I had before, the weight was a bit of a shock and I had a hard time forgetting they were on my head. A few months down the road, I'm accustomed to it much more.

I do still find them uncomfortable around the ears after a couple hours, mainly I think due to the clamping force required to keep such heavy headphones in position.

As much as I like these headphones, if Apple release a lighter "sport" version like was rumored, I'd probably switch if they were lighter and had similar sound and noise cancellation quality. The fancy metal build is nice, but I'd put up with some plastic if it made things more comfortable.
 

Htsi

macrumors 65816
Oct 14, 2020
1,398
1,267
Have owned mine since March.
they are heavy, no doubt about it.
i would not call them uncomfortable though since there is no discomfort on the top of my head.
It’s the clamping force and weight that makes it a hassle to keep on for longer.

The level of hygiene that’s possible with the washable headband & earcups is unparalleled in my eyes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ignatius345

George Dawes

Suspended
Jul 17, 2014
2,980
4,332
=VH=
Think they’re bad ? When I bought a ps5 I stupidly bought the matching headphones, not only are they extremely uncomfortable but they have the worst design I’ve ever seen . Black buttons on a black background. The invisible interface … ?‍♀️
 

NARadyk

macrumors 6502a
May 21, 2021
641
1,670
UK
Think they’re bad ? When I bought a ps5 I stupidly bought the matching headphones, not only are they extremely uncomfortable but they have the worst design I’ve ever seen . Black buttons on a black background. The invisible interface … ?‍♀️
Yes! I feel the same way about the PS5 3D pulse whatever it is called. As someone that wears glasses, they really hurt after half hour to one hours use. The APM on the other hand, feel great after a lengthy amount of use. Although i did need a “break in” period for them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: George Dawes
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.