
I test headphones for a living — here's why the AirPods Max have a permanent home on my desk
But there's one pair that remain separate from the circulation of headphones, with a permanent space reserved for them on my desk. It's the AirPods Max, Apple's ship-of-the-line cans. It's not because of their excellent sound or their stunning build, however. Let me explain.
The AirPods Max top Apple's AirPods line, with some useful features and a very unique look. 20 hours of battery life needs improvement, but they make up for it with some excellent sound and top-quality noise canceling. It helps that they're built exceedingly well, too.
Against my better judgment, I am a Mac user. I like macOS, I love the look and feel of my MacBook Pro and I've used the platform for so long that ceasing my dependence would feel like chopping off a limb. I don't want to do that.
The AirPods line is perfect for Mac users, especially if you also use an iPhone, or if you've completed the trifecta with an iPad. Unlike other devices, you don't have to hop into a menu or hold down a button to connect your headphones or earbuds to your device. You just open them near your phone, laptop or tablet, and you get a prompt for connection.
One tap later, and you're connected. But it's better than that — you're not just connected to the device you initiated the connection on, but every single device that your Apple Account is signed in on. Now that's magic.
It's been this way for a long, long time; it's nothing new and barely revolutionary at this point. Yet still, no other device has been able to rival the interoperability of AirPods and their macOS, iOS and iPadOS cousins.
It's thanks to that incredible interoperability that the AirPods Max have earned a permanent place on my desk. Whenever I'm going to have a work call, a language lesson or some kind of communication that requires my voice or listening, I reach for the aluminum monsters that have taken residence immediately above my keyboard.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
It's not for their sound, as good as it may be. It's not for their ANC, despite how good they are at blocking noise. It's not even because they look all fancy — no one on my work calls is going to care that my headphones are made by Apple.
It's because of how simple they are to use. The other headphones I use would have to go through a complicated connection protocol in order for them to become a good replacement, and despite the proliferation of multi-connect modes, none of them have come close to Apple's version.
I recently waved goodbye to my iPhone, replacing it with a Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Apple wasn't going to give me an iPhone Fold any time soon, and I wanted a piece of the creased pie.
So one of my devices is now no longer part of the AirPods Max connection "fold." It lives separately from my little audio ecosystem, relying on its own connection as opposed to the symbiotic relationship that my MacBook and iPad are part of. A limb has been replaced, but the nerves remain unconnected.
I use my phone for most of my music listening. It means that I don't have to worry about connection issues if I stand up for my half-hourly leg stretch, and modern Bluetooth protocols mean my music still sounds excellent. I'm not critically listening while I work, so I don't need the most impressive sound possible.
My new phone shows a significant chink in the AirPods Max's blue, aluminum armor. What happens if I switch out the rest of my devices? What if I swap my laptop for a Windows machine, or my iPad for another tablet? It's not likely right now, but I could have said the same thing about my iPhone a few months ago.
For now, the AirPods Max remain permanently on my desk, an almost guaranteed appearance in work calls and my Japanese lessons ("why do your headphones look like that?" my teacher asks — "you'd have to ask Apple," I reply). But that says nothing of the future. My laptop does need replacing soon, and those Razer models look very, very tempting...
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
14 minutes ago
- Forbes
Porn Ban—New Threat For Millions Of Smartphone Users
Do not put yourself at risk. Here we go again. Millions of iPhone and Android users are suddenly at risk as the latest porn ban comes into effect. But it turns out the most serious threat to all those smartphone users is not the content, but the dangerous workarounds. In the U.S., as state after state has passed porn ban legislation, users have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to maintain their adult content fix. These apps tunnel web traffic via remote servers. And if those servers are located in a different state or country, the porn site thinks the phone is there as well. The porn ban is bypassed. Now the U.K. has enacted its own version of this leaky, pointless legislation, resulting in VPNs suddenly dominating app download charts. One app developer told BBC News, 'it had seen an 1,800% spike in downloads' and many others have experienced the same. Similar surges have been seen in the U.S. as each new ban comes into effect. The reality is that the bans or requirement for age verification — which amount to the same when users don't want to associate real-world identifies with porn sites — do not work. Much worse though, these countermeasures are dangerous and are putting millions at risk. To run a VPN, a developer needs to operate expensive infrastructure — the servers and network capacity to route traffic between devices and websites. Good VPNs offer a menu of locations, enabling users to pick the country or state where they will seem to be. Porn sites take your IP address at face value. If there's a ban or restriction in your location but your IP address suggests you're somewhere else, you will be granted access. It would be very easy for the websites to check if you're using a VPN. A clash between your IP address and your browser fingerprints for example. But they don't. The risk is that users don't need a complex, fully-featured VPN to beat the bans. Any app will do. And China's free app industry is happy to oblige. Using a free VPN without good security and data protection is very much worse than using no app at all. Researchers have even found many free VPNs are linked to the Chinese government and its military. The Tech Transparency Project warns 'millions of Americans have downloaded apps that secretly route their internet traffic through Chinese companies.' Top10VPN's Simon Migliano says this means 'the risks are too great,' and 'in light of these findings, I strongly urge users to avoid Chinese-owned VPNs altogether." You should actually avoid any free VPN. Either use one you subscribe to, or one from a bluechip provider which is an add-on to its other services. As BeyondTrust's James Maude points out, 'if you aren't paying for a product, you are the product; these VPN services are a perfect example of the hidden costs of free apps.' My advice on VPNs is simple:


The Verge
14 minutes ago
- The Verge
India overtakes China in smartphone exports to the US.
Posted Jul 29, 2025 at 6:26 AM UTC Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Thomas Ricker Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Thomas Ricker Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Apple Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All iPhone Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Policy Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech


Time Business News
44 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Is It Safe to Use IPTV Apps from the App Store in the Netherlands?
The way people watch TV in the Netherlands is changing quickly. More viewers are turning to IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) for its flexibility, lower costs, and wide range of content. If you're among the many exploring IPTV, you may wonder: Is it safe to use IPTV apps from the App Store? With so many options and growing concerns about privacy, security, and legality, it's important to make smart choices. This guide takes you through how IPTV apps work, what makes an app safe, how to avoid risks, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself when watching IPTV in the Netherlands. IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television, which delivers TV content over the internet rather than through cable or satellite. Unlike traditional broadcasting, IPTV offers on-demand options and works on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and streaming boxes. Many Dutch viewers like that IPTV allows them to customize their viewing, choose from more global channels, and often pay less than with standard TV providers. Safe IPTV apps give easy access to favorite shows and sports on any device, from anywhere with an internet connection. To get started or to find local guidance, visit Smart IPTV, a popular Dutch resource for IPTV users. Safety in IPTV apps isn't just about avoiding viruses. A safe IPTV app protects your privacy, secures your data, follows local laws, and works smoothly across your devices. Here's what to look for: Published by a reputable developer Regularly updated with bug fixes and improvements Clear privacy policy and terms of use Compatibility with official app store requirements Transparent about data collection and use A safe app should never ask for unnecessary access to your device or personal information. Developers who value transparency and follow best practices are more likely to offer a secure experience. Not all IPTV apps are created equal. While the App Store and Google Play try to filter out dangerous apps, some still slip through. Risks linked to unsafe apps include: Malware that can harm your device or steal your information Apps that secretly collect or misuse your personal data Exposure to illegal or pirated content that puts you at risk of copyright fines Security holes that hackers could use to target your home network For peace of mind, avoid downloading IPTV apps from unfamiliar websites or third-party sources. Apple and Google each have checks in place for new apps. They look for viruses, security holes, and adherence to their policies. However, these reviews can't catch every potential problem. Sometimes, fake or misleading IPTV apps slip past the filters. Many unreliable apps are designed to look legitimate but offer pirated content or contain hidden malware. Always check app ratings and reviews before installing, and look at the permissions an app requests. IPTV itself is entirely legal, but streaming copyrighted material without permission isn't. Dutch copyright law sets clear boundaries for what counts as legal streaming. Using an official IPTV abonnement (subscription) keeps you on the right side of the law. If you use an app or service that offers access to premium channels or movies without proper licensing, you may be at risk of fines or other penalties. For a legal and stress-free experience, choose verified apps and legitimate subscriptions. Learn more about legal IPTV subscriptions at Smart iptv abonnement. Want to spot a secure IPTV app? Here's what to look for: Positive user reviews and ratings Transparent developer info and contact details Regular software updates and active customer support A clear, easy-to-understand privacy policy No requests for questionable device permissions Seamless compatibility with legitimate IPTV subscriptions Checking these features helps narrow your choice to trusted apps. Before installing any IPTV app, take these simple steps: Read app descriptions carefully — Reliable apps describe features, supported devices, and privacy measures. Research the developer — Look for an official website, valid contact details, and a public track record. Check required permissions — Watch for apps that want access to your contacts, messages, or unrelated features. Check reviews and ratings — Legitimate apps have consistent, detailed reviews. Consult outside sources — Visit forums, tech websites, and expert blogs for extra opinions. Ask yourself: Does this app seem trustworthy and necessary for my needs? The Netherlands applies strict European privacy rules, including the GDPR. Safe IPTV apps are up front about their data collection, storage, and how they get user consent. To protect your data: Check privacy settings in the app Share only required information Use unique, strong passwords for accounts Regularly monitor for app updates or alerts If you suspect your data might have been leaked, change your passwords and contact the app developer for guidance. An IPTV abonnement is a subscription that gives you legitimate access to TV content. Using licensed services is important to protect both your safety and your wallet. Here's why it matters: Keeps you within the law and away from fines Gives you stable, high-quality streams Offers customer support if you face issues Protects you from malware and piracy risks Avoid using 'grey market' subscriptions that may expire suddenly or expose you to copyright violations. Buy your abonnement directly from reputable providers. Always download apps only from official app stores Keep your device and all apps updated to the latest version Use secure Wi-Fi networks and create strong, unique passwords Enable two-factor authentication if the app offers it Be cautious with unknown links, downloads, or suspicious streams Consider using a VPN for additional privacy, but ensure its use complies with Dutch law Safe Example: A well-known IPTV player in the App Store has hundreds of positive reviews, regular updates, and a Dutch-language privacy policy. It only asks for internet access and doesn't prompt for your contacts or camera. Unsafe Example: A new, unfamiliar IPTV app promises free access to sports but asks for device administrator rights and GPS access, has poor reviews, and no clear privacy policy. Shortly after installation, users report intrusive ads and suspicious phone behavior. Learning from these real-world examples shows why it's worth taking a few minutes to check before downloading. Stay informed with reliable websites and organizations, such as: Dutch consumer protection websites The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity Trusted IPTV info sites like Smart IPTV for guides, reviews, and current advice Online tech forums for user experiences and updates Making use of these resources helps ensure your streaming is both safe and enjoyable. No, not every app is equally vetted, and some unsafe or unauthorized options can appear. Always check app details, developer info, and reviews before downloading. Users can face copyright fines, malware infections, and loss of access if they rely on unlicensed or pirated IPTV services. Stick with official apps and legal subscriptions. Warning signs include unexpected pop-ups, new apps appearing on your device, or privacy alerts from your phone's security system. You can also check app permissions and privacy reports in device settings. Delete the app right away, change any associated passwords, and consider running a reputable antivirus scan. Contact the app store's support team to report the problem. It's not necessary for everyone, but some people like using VPNs for extra privacy. Make sure your VPN use doesn't violate local laws or the terms of your IPTV provider. IPTV is a modern way to enjoy TV, but it comes with its own set of risks and rewards. By choosing safe, reputable IPTV apps from the App Store, sticking to legal subscriptions, and following best privacy practices, you can stream confidently and securely. Keep exploring trusted resources, stay updated on the latest advice, and remember — your security and peace of mind always come first. TIME BUSINESS NEWS