Are Apple AirPods Max Becoming a Trendy Item?
Miabella Espaillat
Fashion Editor
The Apple AirPods Max headphones, headphones starting off at $499, have skyrocketed into spotlight and popularity. Apple’s AirPods Max have evolved into the trendy bulky, larger flex. Over-the-ear headphones have become popular among celebrities, including Bella Hadid, Timothée Chalamet, Sarah Jessica Parker, and others. The headphones convey a relaxed and uncomplicated elegance whether layered over a warm beanie or a hoodie that has been pulled up. The headphones, which were released a year after Apple’s longtime chief design officer Johnny Ive left the business, feel like a daring new design idea for the company’s expanding array of accessories.
When someone wore the original AirPods, it was almost like possessing a piece of stealth wealth that required close inspection to identify. The AirPods Max, in comparison, are flattering in their exact ostentation. The AirPod Max headphones now come in a rainbow of hues, reflecting off of previous Apple product models in the past.
The headphones have started to become a status symbol to many users. With this being said, many people have claimed the headphones to be the “IT” accessory and must have. Like the resurgence of wired headphones and the emergence of small earbuds, TikTok has drastically increased the popularity of Y2K “cans” as a must-have fashion accessory. The massive headphone trend still heavily leans on the retro vibes of the ’80s and ’90s, which is why the Koss Porta Pros, originally also part of the wired Renaissance, are also still popular on TikTok; as are other styles of chunkier, over-the-head wired headphones. Though the AirPod Max may feature a sleek and modern aluminum case (in various colors, might we add), they still rely heavily on the retro vibes of the ’80s. Technology has also tapped into the nostalgia of the early aughts, with the release of a new Motorola Razr in 2019 and chunky smartwatches, much as high-end designers like Miu Miu, Bluemarine, and Balenciaga have ushered in the comeback of low-rise jeans, tiny skirts, and slouchy bags. The opportunity to sport the over-the-ear appearance is fresh for those who grew up in the earbud era.
While Apple dominates the market for aesthetically beautiful devices, the next frontier in wearable technology is the auditory experience, particularly when people resume commuting. It doesn’t seem worthwhile to spend a lot of money on an accessory that will ultimately go out of style when you take into account the price tag of something like the AirPod Max with the mixed ratings.
Contact Miabella at espailmi@shu.edu