Audio · Apple Silicon · 2020
AirPods Max
Lavish over-ear headphones with a stainless frame, knit-mesh band and superb noise cancellation. The price was polarising, and the "Smart Case" got endlessly compared to a handbag.
When I first put these on they felt too heavy, but I got used to them quickly, and they've turned out to be a fairly good purchase: on the pricey side, sure, but the quality and sound are very good. I've even been able to exercise and jog with them, and I don't bother with the silly case. They've held up well after several years.
Apple’s first over-ear headphones, milled from aluminium with a mesh canopy.
AirPods (3rd generation) (2021)
AirPods Max: key facts
When was the AirPods Max released?
The AirPods Max arrived on December 15, 2020.
How much did the AirPods Max cost?
The AirPods Max launched at $549 in 2020, about $664 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Dual Apple H1, Lightning (later USB-C).
Why does the AirPods Max matter?
Apple’s first over-ear headphones, milled from aluminium with a mesh canopy.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual Apple H1 |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | — |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Lightning (later USB-C) |
| Weight | 384 g |
| Dimensions | Over-ear headphones |
| Operating system | AirPods firmware (H1) |
| Released | December 15, 2020 |
| Discontinued | — |
| Launch price | $549 |
How the AirPods Max compares to today
Launched at $549 in 2020, about $664 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
There’s no off switch; they rely on the bra-like Smart Case to sleep.
Related Audio models
Open the AirPods Max in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11