AirPods ... to the Max!

December 12, 2020

Apple's new over-the-ear headphones are kind of over the top. From the high-end design to the sky-high price tag, AirPods Max certainly made quite a splash this week.

They sold out almost immediately after Tuesday's unveiling. And that weird-looking AirPods Max case got mercilessly mocked online.

It's not all AirPods Max this week, though: Apple TV+ started streaming Wolfwalkers, which our reviewer called the "best animated film of the year." Plus, Apple's mysterious self-driving car raced back into the rumor fast lane.

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

News and opinion

The high-end headphones promise to deliver “the magic of AirPods” in an all-new design. They boast high-fidelity, spatial audio and active noise cancellation like AirPods Pro. And they come in five colors.

Plus, more on AirPods Max:

Apple is moving ahead with an autonomous vehicle. The company is reportedly talking to component makers and might unveil the Apple Car in 2024 or 2025.

Ready to sweat? The $9.99-a-month subscription workout service built around Apple Watch arrives next week.

Samsung is copying Apple ... again.

With Facebook facing a federal antitrust lawsuit, and a new administration headed for the White House, should Apple be concerned about a crackdown on big tech?

If you think complications junk up your smartwatch's appearance, you'll hope Apple takes this mockup to heart.

How-tos

Automated contact tracing is finally available in California — and in many other states and countries around the world. And if you have an iPhone running iOS 13.7 or later, you can now get an alert whenever you have been exposed to someone carrying the virus.

There’s good news for fans of the Peanuts holiday specials. A Charlie Brown Christmas will soon be on PBS. And it’s already available free through the Apple TV app.

Deals

Whether you’re sitting at a desk or traveling, this charging dock fits the bill. It offers the best of both worlds: a wireless power bank that ensures you’re always connected, and a charging dock you can perch anywhere you like.

If you’re still hunting down the perfect presents for your family and friends, look no further than this gift guide filled with Apple products and accessories.

Plus, more gift ideas:

Choose from four outstanding aerial drones -- all at steep discounts -- to take your imagery higher.

This giveaway includes the latest, most coveted gaming gear of the year — from the highly sought-after PlayStation 5 and Xbox X Series, to a premium gaming setup that includes a Bose headset, a Corsair keyboard and a 65-inch Sony 4K TV.

Act now, and you’ll get a dozen top Mac apps at an astonishingly low price. This bundle sold so well that we’re extending the Cyber Monday sale through Dec. 21 — but it absolutely must end then!

Reviews

A fiery mix of folklore and feminism, Wolfwalkers is one of the most astonishing works of visual art you’re likely to see this year. It comes from the makers of gorgeous animated features The Secret of Kells and The Breadwinner — and it marks their strongest work to date.

Bringing beautiful leather to your Apple Watch doesn’t have to break the bank. Mifa’s bands are incredibly high-end (and extremely reasonably priced).

The Minix Neo P1 packs three powerful USB ports into a tiny wall charger. It can provide up to 66W to an iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or other gear. Plus, it's made for travel, with fold-down prongs and adapters for many countries.