Since Apple released its AirPods Max in 2020, the headphones havecemented their way into pop culture. The sleek, futuristic design of the headphones is unlike any other over-ear headphones on the market. Scrolling on TikTok or Instagram, hundreds of influencers can be seen wearing AirPods Max as they go on their “hot girl walks” or workout at the gym. When I first got my AirPods Max in December, I couldn’t wait to show off my latest purchase on the streets of New York.
Since Apple released its AirPods Max in 2020, the headphones have cemented their way into pop culture.
After purchasing the headphones, I came to discover that there’s a lot more to the AirPods Max than a cool design and great sound quality. Before owning Apple’s over-ear headphones, I owned a pair ofBose’s NCH 700, so I thought the settings would be similar. Turns out, I was wrong.
There are several settings unique to the AirPods Max, such asSpatial Audioand Siri. If you recently bought, or are planning on buying, Apple’s AirPods Max, here are the settings you should ensure to check when you first start using them.
1Noise-Cancellation
Block out all the noise around you
AirPods Max
TheAirPods Maxoffer premium sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a luxurious design for an immersive audio experience.
One of the biggest selling points of the AirPods Max is the ability to put the headphones in noise-canceling mode. Apple offers two different modes: transparency or noise-canceling. Users can also choose to shut off noise-canceling altogether.
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To change between modes, you can go to the option on your Apple device’s control center and switch, or you can go to the device’s settings. In the settings, click on the option for the AirPods Max and control the modes from there.
2Spatial Audio
A surround sound listening experience
The Spatial Audio feature is one you should definitely make sure works when you first get your AirPods Max. Apple’s personalized spatial audio takes surround sound listening to another level. Spatial Audio gives users a surround sound listening experience, greatly enhancing any movie or video you’re watching on your phone.
When you first connect your AirPods to your iPhone (note:it must be an iPhone X or newer, excluding the iPhone SE), you have the chance to personalize your Spatial Audio, so you can have the true 3D experience and feel like sound is moving with you rather than simply coming at you.
Once you connect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, all you need to do is go to the AirPods Max dashboard, select the “Personalize Spatial Audio” option, and follow the instructions on your screen. You’ll be asked to put your face in the camera and move your head side to side.
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After you’re done, your movement and sound preferences will be saved across all of your Apple devices.
If you don’t want Spatial Audio on, you can shut it off by going to your settings.
Play and pause your music just by placing the headphones on your head
Another great feature of the AirPods Max is the headphone’s automatic head detection. The moment you put the AirPods Max on your head, music will begin to play.
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When you take the headphones off, your music will automatically pause.
To turn off automatic head detection:
Control Siri from your AirPods Max
Of course, Apple’s AirPods Max are compatible withSiri.To activate Siri, either say ‘Hey Siri’ or press and hold on the digital crown of the headphones. Once you hear a chime, you can ask Siri a question and ask for Siri to control other apps. While Siri hasn’t exactlykept upwith other chatbots like Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s iconic assistant can still help with hands-free calling, texting, and even changing the song when you want to go phone-free.
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5Touch controls
Control your music without touching your phone
While not a technical software setting, the AirPods Max’s digital crown is a heavily under-used feature that can work with your settings to make listening easier and your software more navigable.
To use the crown to control your music, follow these steps:
For phone calls:
Most of the time I prefer my AirPods Max, but the AirPods Pro are better for these 5 activities
Apple’s over-the-ears are obviously my headphones of choice, but the AirPods Pro prove to be better in these five circumstances.
