Yep you are right, I have a consumer choice. I just linked to high end audio product manufactured in Germany, where you cant use slaves to build for you on a thin cost margin and then sell on high profit.
If you think this list of high-end headphones, many of them even open-backed, are good alternatives to wireless, noise canceling headphones, then I can't really relate.
One is for sitting alone in a quiet room listening to music, the other is for travel, work, commuting, etc. in noisy environments where you still want decent sound quality.
The only real alternatives to these new Airpods are things like the Bose QC3 and similar Sony model, and based on the pricing I would say Apple is confident theirs sound significantly better.
https://uk.pcmag.com/headphones/3341/the-best-noise-cancelli...
Lots of alternatives and with not so heavy price tag.
But reading comments here I regret posting my reaction.
Obviously the new age Apple users deserve everything that they get. I am happy that this company has nothing to do with me, and my office macs are not T2 and will run Linux for years to come.
Enjoy your overpriced vertically integrated shiny nonsense and don't forget to buy collectable ear cushions, only 70 bucks.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ0E3ZM/A/airpods-max-ear...
And to be more pro consumer choice, here you can see competitive products with prices: https://heavy.com/tech/best-high-end-headphones/