arkivoAPI
Menu

Gaming / Headsets and headphones

Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)

AppleHeadset

AirPods Max (USB-C)

Released 20 September 2024.6Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/the-iphone-16-lineup-airpods-4-apple-watch-series-10-arrive-around-the-worldRead 6 October 2026Dated September 20, 2024: On Friday, September 20, ... new colors for AirPods Max made their debut in Apple Store locations worldwide. Apple team members welcomed the first customers. The new colours are the USB-C model Last checked 23 October 2026.

Form factor
Over-ear
Audio connections
Bluetooth, USB, Analog
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Battery life (claimed, max)
20h

82 of 161 fields known.

Compare with another headsetDownload JSONDownload CSVGet it from the API

All specs

SourceCalculated

General

Series
AirPods2Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 6 October 2026Listed in Apple's AirPods family
Model numbers
A3184, MWW43, MWW53, MWW63, MWW73, MWW83, MWW43AM/A, MWW53AM/A, MWW63AM/A, MWW73AM/A, MWW83AM/A2Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 6 October 2026Identify your AirPods: AirPods Max 1 (USB-C), Model number A3184, year introduced 2024. AirPods Max 2 is A3454 and AirPods Max 1 (Lightning) is A2096. Part numbers come from the Apple Store source3Maker product pageapple.com/shop/product/MWW43AM/ARead 6 October 2026Retired Apple Store product URLs redirect to a search for the product name: MWW43AM/A to AirPods Max Midnight, MWW53AM/A to Starlight, MWW63AM/A to Blue, MWW73AM/A to Orange, MWW83AM/A to Purple. UK ZM/A and German ZM/A URLs give the same colours17Maker spec sheet (PDF)media2store2.blob.core.windows.net/storage/item_spec/24/246010.pdfRead 7 October 2026Apple US Education Institution Hardware and Software Price List, December 2, 2024, Apple Headphones table on pages 28-29. MWW43AM/A Midnight, MWW53AM/A Starlight, MWW63AM/A Blue, MWW73AM/A Orange, MWW83AM/A Purple. Pricing date September 20, 2024. Public reseller-hosted copy of the maker document. These complete order numbers are US references. Existing short colour-family references remain.
GTIN / EAN
19594954389018Retailer pagebestbuy.com/site/apple-airpods-max-usb-c-midnight/10313267.pRead 7 October 2026Public indexed Specifications, General and Other sections: AirPods Max (USB-C), Midnight, model MWW43AM/A, UPC 195949543890. US Midnight SKU only. Other colours and regional barcodes are not inferred. Direct HTTP timed out, indexed page states the complete identity and UPC cells.31Retailer pagejumpplus.com/products/airpods-max-mww43am-aRead 7 October 2026Actual readable product identity states MWW43AM/A, Midnight, barcode 195949543890, with USB-C product/box illustrations. Independently corroborates the same US reference code/barcode when Best Buy direct access is unavailable. No other-colour barcode or country launch price transferred.
Announced
9 September 20244Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 6 October 2026Press release dated September 9, 2024. AirPods Max now come in midnight, starlight, blue, purple and orange with USB-C charging
Status
Discontinued3Maker product pageapple.com/shop/product/MWW43AM/ARead 6 October 2026The product pages no longer exist and redirect to a search with only accessories in the results16Press articlemacrumors.com/guide/airpods-max-1-vs-max-2Read 6 October 2026Comparison table: AirPods Max (2024, USB-C), released September 2024, now discontinued. AirPods Max 2 released in April 2026
Predecessor
Not available
Successor
Apple AirPods Max 234Press articlemacrumors.com/2026/03/16/apple-announces-airpods-max-2Read 23 October 2026MacRumors says the AirPods Max 2 are the third AirPods Max, after the 2020 original and the 2024 USB-C update.35Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys's review advises owners of the AirPods Max with USB-C not to upgrade to the AirPods Max 2.
Launch price (US)
$5494Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 6 October 2026Customers can now pre-order AirPods Max with USB-C charging for $549 (U.S.)
Launch price (EU)
€5795Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 6 October 2026AirPods Max mit Laden per USB-C für 579 Euro inkl. MwSt. (Germany)
Markets
US, DE5Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-airpods-4-and-a-hearing-health-experience-with-airpods-pro-2Read 6 October 2026German release offers USB-C AirPods Max for preorder at 579 euros including VAT, with availability September 20, 2024. Establishes Germany availability.17Maker spec sheet (PDF)media2store2.blob.core.windows.net/storage/item_spec/24/246010.pdfRead 7 October 2026US availability from Apple US Education Institution price list for all five September 2024 colour order numbers. Germany availability is separately established by the German September 2024 Apple launch release, which prices the USB-C model at 579 euros including VAT. This is a supported market subset.
Colours
Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026
Segment
Not available

Design

Form factor
Over-ear14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026Launch release of the 2020 Lightning model: over-ear design. The 2024 release changes only colours and the charging port, and Notebookcheck reports that nothing else changed
Ear cup enclosure
Closed20Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1852445-REG/apple_mww43am_a_airpods_max_midnight.htmlRead 7 October 2026Public discontinued listing title explicitly says Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones (Midnight, USB-C). Its replacement is AirPods Max 2 and is not used for any other specification. Direct HTTP 403, public web page exposes the original exact-model title.32Reviewtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact USB-C subsection directly describes the closed-headphone soundstage. Corroborates the original closed-back title while B&H now redirects to Max 2 replacement. No replacement-model spec used.
Wearing style
Headband12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101598Read 6 October 2026AirPods Max headphones: headband and stainless steel sliding arms
Folding
Flat21Reviewtechradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/sony-wh-1000-xm6-vs-apple-airpods-maxRead 7 October 2026Design section caption identifies the AirPods Max laid flat. The comparison uses the USB-C model. Ear cups rotate flat, while the headband has no inward folding hinges. Flat follows the schema meaning, rather than the reviewers ordinary use of fold to mean folding toward the headband.
Swivelling ear cups
Yes14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026Each ear cup can independently pivot and rotate. 2020 Lightning model release, same design
RGB lighting
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available

Drivers and sound

Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Audio Technology: Apple-designed dynamic driver
Driver size
40mm14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 202640-mm Apple-designed dynamic driver. 2020 Lightning model release. The USB-C tech specs name the Apple-designed dynamic driver without a size
Drivers per side
Not available
Diaphragm material
Not available
Magnet
Dual neodymium ring magnet motor14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026A unique dual neodymium ring magnet motor. 2020 Lightning model release
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Not available
Wireless audio transmission band
Not available
Impedance (passive when specified)
Not available
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
THD (claimed)
1%14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026Published as total harmonic distortion of less than 1 percent across the entire audible range, even at maximum volume. Upper bound from the 2020 Lightning model release
Max input power
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
48kHz7Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/lossless-audio-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-come-to-airpods-maxRead 6 October 202624-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over the USB-C cable. Free firmware update in April 2025 with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for AirPods Max with USB-C
Max digital audio bit depth
24bits7Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/lossless-audio-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-come-to-airpods-maxRead 6 October 202624-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over the USB-C cable after the April 2025 firmware update
DAC
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Onboard EQ
No11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 6 October 2026AirPods that support Custom EQ: AirPods 4, AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2. AirPods Max 1 is not listed, so it has no custom EQ to store. Adaptive EQ is automatic
Custom EQ bands
Not available
EQ presets
Balanced Tone, Vocal Range, Brightness22Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/set-headphone-accommodations-devcd05671ab/webRead 7 October 2026Headphone Accommodations, Audio Tuning choices on iPhone/iPad and Mac: Balanced Tone, Vocal Range, Brightness. These are host accessibility presets, not custom EQ stored in this headset. Apple support article 102663 explicitly includes AirPods Max all models. Customize Audio is preference-based setup and is not a hearing test.23Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102663Read 7 October 2026Headphone Accommodations works with AirPods Max all models, on iOS/iPadOS 14 or later. The linked AirPods manual names the three tone presets. This host feature is distinct from Custom EQ, whose supported models include Max 2 and exclude Max 1.
Volume limit
Not available

Spatial audio

Spatial audio support
Personalized Spatial Audio1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Footnote: compatible hardware, software and content required
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Head tracking
Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling
Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026
ANC type
Hybrid14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026Three outward-facing microphones and one microphone inside each ear cup for noise cancellation. Matches the eight ANC microphones in the USB-C tech specs
ANC microphones
81Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Nine microphones total: eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation
Adaptive ANC
Yes14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026Noise cancellation continuously adapts to the headphone fit and movement in real time. 2020 Lightning model release
ANC levels
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Conversation detection
No16Press articlemacrumors.com/guide/airpods-max-1-vs-max-2Read 6 October 2026The new model introduces Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness. The 2024 USB-C model has no Conversation Awareness
Wind noise reduction
Not available

Measured

Frequency response notes
Tweakers measured the USB-C sample against Harman OE 2018. Regional RMS errors were 2.48 dB at 20-200 Hz, 1.63 dB at 200-2000 Hz, and 3.80 dB at 2000-20000 Hz. These are regional errors, not signed bass/treble amounts or full-range error.29Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Apple AirPods Max USB-C regional RMS tables use Harman OE 2018. Review explicitly says measurements use Bluetooth, with GRAS 45BC KEMAR, Sinus Apollo Light, Samurai and REW. Firmware and selected Bluetooth codec are unspecified. Regional RMS error is not a signed bass/treble amount or a full-range error.30Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/12858/zo-testen-we-hoofdtelefoons-een-reis-door-de-geluiddichte-ruimte.htmlRead 7 October 2026Published lab method predates the September 2025 review. GRAS 45BC KEMAR, REW frequency sweep 20-20000 Hz, calibrated to 80 dB. General equipment does not prove the exact review connection or firmware.
Bass amount
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Measured noise isolation
ANC onBass (dB)Mids (dB)Treble (dB)
Yes11.9928.3526.36
Source29Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact USB-C ANC tables: mean attenuation 11.99 dB at 20-200 Hz, 28.35 dB at 200-2000 Hz, 26.36 dB at 2000-20000 Hz. Positive attenuation. No overall value derived. KEMAR setup and white-noise method are documented separately. Firmware unspecified.30Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/12858/zo-testen-we-hoofdtelefoons-een-reis-door-de-geluiddichte-ruimte.htmlRead 7 October 2026White noise at 80 dB from M-Audio monitor, right ear one metre from tweeter. REW RTA baseline without headset, then ANC measurement. Three recordings per fitting, five fittings, best three fittings averaged, 1/12 smoothing. Review reports mean band attenuation.
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Mic quality notes
Tweakers found the USB-C sample thin in bass in quiet recordings and muffled with background noise. Wind recordings had audible rumble and fluctuating voice level, while speech generally remained understandable.29Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact USB-C recorded speech tests use KEMAR mouth simulator in quiet, noise and wind. No numerical microphone bandwidth or noise score is inferred. Exact connection and firmware unspecified.30Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/12858/zo-testen-we-hoofdtelefoons-een-reis-door-de-geluiddichte-ruimte.htmlRead 7 October 2026Recorded speech from KEMAR mouth simulator in Audacity. Noise test uses 70 dB(C) white noise from monitor. The review also includes wind tests without specifying their equipment. Exact connection, host and firmware remain unknown.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Measured battery life
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes19.63
BluetoothNo22.03
Source29Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact USB-C rows: ANC on 19 h 38 m, off 22 h 02 m, represented as rounded decimal hours at the source minute precision. Review explicitly names Samsung Galaxy A15 host. Repeating music over Bluetooth calibrated to 80 dB until music stops. Codec, firmware, lighting and head-detection override are unpublished. Apple claimed 20 h uses iPhone/AAC/50% volume and is a different setup.30Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/12858/zo-testen-we-hoofdtelefoons-een-reis-door-de-geluiddichte-ruimte.htmlRead 7 October 2026Published February 6,2025 method: phone repeats music mix, calibrated with KEMAR/REW to 80 dB. Custom simulated-ear test stations with USB microphones and Adobe Audition record until playback stops. Method describes H.E.A.R.S. alternative for in-ear proximity sensors, not a specified AirPods Max fixture or sensor override.
Battery life (measured, max)
22.03h
Clamping force
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available

Microphone

Microphone
Built-in1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Microphones are built into the ear cups. No boom or inline microphone
Microphone element
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Not available
Voice microphones
31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone)
Total microphones
Not available
Mic frequency response
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
Flip to mute
Not available
Mute button
Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Digital Crown: press once to answer a call or mute or unmute
Mute indicator
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available

Connectivity

Audio connections
Bluetooth, USB, Analog7Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/lossless-audio-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-come-to-airpods-maxRead 6 October 2026USB audio needs the April 2025 firmware. Analog needs the USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable, sold separately for $39 (U.S.)8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026Wired mode with a USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable plugged into AirPods Max (USB-C). Lossless and ultra-low latency audio with the included USB-C to USB-C cable
Analog source plugs
Not available
Cable connector on headset
USB-C8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026Both the USB-C cable and the USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable plug into the USB-C port on the headset
Longest included cable
Not available
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118262Read 6 October 2026For AirPods Max equipped with a USB-C port, use a USB-C to USB-C cable or a USB-C to USB cable. The port is on the bottom of the right ear cup
Audio over USB-C cable
Yes7Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/lossless-audio-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-come-to-airpods-maxRead 6 October 2026With the included USB-C cable, users can enjoy the highest-quality audio. Needs the April 2025 firmware. Ultra-low latency audio also needs the cable8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026
Passive wired listening
Not available
Wireless receiver
None1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026In the Box lists no dongle. The headset connects over Bluetooth
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Bluetooth
5.01Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
Bluetooth codecs
AAC, SBC24Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/apple-airpods-max-2024-p75573/test.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact 2024 USB-C review, updated April 7, 2025 for firmware 7E101. Characteristics table lists Codecs Bluetooth supportes: AAC, SBC. No codec is inferred from Bluetooth version.
LE Audio
No29Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Review published August 25,2025, updated September 17 for Sonos call prose. Its tested list includes the USB-C Max. Summary explicitly says LE Audio/LC3 are supported only by JBL and Sony among the tested headphones. Bluetooth Low Energy app/control radio is not LE Audio playback.
Auracast
No29Measurementtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Connectivity table, Apple AirPods Max row: Auracast Nee.
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Multipoint devices
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Base station
Not available

Latency

We could not find any of these 2 fields. Show them
Low latency mode
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available

Compatibility

Compatible platforms
iOS, macOS, Android1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026System Requirements list iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro. Works as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices with limited functions8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026Mac, Android and other non-Apple devices are named. Windows is not named
Connection per platform
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
iOSBluetoothNot available
macOSBluetoothNot available
macOSUSBNot available
AndroidBluetoothYes
AndroidUSBNot available
AndroidAnalogNot available
Source8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026Mac and Android with a USB-C port over the included USB-C to USB-C cable. Android 12 or later with the USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable. Bluetooth with iPhone, Mac and non-Apple devices. Apple says to turn on Bluetooth on a Mac to make audio calls while wired, so microphone support over the cable is not stored. The non-Apple Bluetooth setup section explicitly says users can listen and talk, and names Android. This proves microphone support for the Android Bluetooth row only.
Official licence
Not available

Battery and charging

Battery capacity
Not available
Swappable battery
No25Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/important-safety-and-handling-information-dev4744b22af/webRead 7 October 2026Safety guide says AirPods and case batteries should only be repaired by a trained technician. This excludes user battery exchanges during normal operation. Service disassembly is not treated as a swappable battery.
Batteries included
Not available
Claimed battery life
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes20
Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Up to 20 hours of listening time with pro-level Active Noise Cancellation enabled. Apple test July and August 2024 with iPhone 16 Pro Max, 256 kbps AAC tracks, volume 50%, Spatial Audio set to fixed. No figure with ANC off is published
Battery life (claimed, max)
20h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
20h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Charging port
USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Charging via USB-C9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/118262Read 6 October 2026Plug the USB-C cable that came with AirPods Max into the bottom-right ear cup
Full charge time
Not available
Quick charge time
5min1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026
Quick charge playback
1.5h1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 20265 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time
Use while charging
Not available
Charging dock or stand
Sold separately27Maker product pagemophie.com/products/max-headphones-charging-standRead 7 October 2026Third-party mophie Max Charging Stand is sold separately for AirPods Max USB-C, explicitly excluding Lightning. It uses a supplied USB-C magnetic dongle and charging pins. The headphone does not acquire built-in Qi charging. The accessory was launched in September 2025, before Max 2.33Press articlemacrumors.com/2025/09/03/mophie-airpods-max-charging-standRead 7 October 2026Contemporaneous September 3,2025 launch explicitly identifies a separately purchased mophie stand for USB-C AirPods Max, before 2026 Max 2. Actual maker product page names the non-Lightning USB-C model. Magnetic dongle uses charging contacts, not built-in headset Qi.

Controls

Controls
Buttons, Volume wheel1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Digital Crown (turn for volume, press for media and calls) and listening mode button
Volume control
Wheel1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Digital Crown: turn for volume control
Game and chat mix
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-us/guide/airpods/change-settings-for-airpodsmax-dev3e3e8821d/webRead 6 October 2026You can change the Digital Crown direction, choose the modes the listening mode button cycles through, and swap the end call and mute actions
Wear detection
Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-us/guide/airpods/change-settings-for-airpodsmax-dev3e3e8821d/webRead 6 October 2026Your AirPods Max automatically stop playing audio when you take them off, and resume playback when you put them back on. Automatic Head Detection can be turned off
Voice assistant
Siri1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Press and hold the Digital Crown for Siri. Say Hey Siri

Comfort and build

Headband type
Not available
Headband material
Thermoplastic polyurethane and polyester12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101598Read 6 October 2026Thermoplastic polyurethane and polyester headband. This line covers all AirPods Max headphones
Frame material
Stainless steel12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101598Read 6 October 2026Stainless steel sliding arms
Ear cup material
Anodized aluminum12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101598Read 6 October 2026Anodized aluminum earcups
Ear pad material
PET textile-covered polyurethane memory foam12Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/101598Read 6 October 2026PET textile-covered polyurethane memory foam headphone cushion
Replaceable ear pads
Yes13Maker product pageapple.com/shop/product/MA6C4ZM/A/airpods-max-ear-cushions-midnightRead 6 October 2026Replacement ear cushions for AirPods Max. Compatibility lists AirPods Max 2, AirPods Max and AirPods Max (Lightning Connector)
Ear pad attachment
Magnetic26Reviewpickr.com.au/reviews/2025/apple-airpods-max-usb-cRead 7 October 2026August 7, 2025 review of the actual blue USB-C review unit: easily replaced magnetically-mounted fabric pads. Shared cup design is unchanged across the five colour variants.32Reviewtweakers.net/reviews/13628/bose-sony-of-toch-apple-negen-luxe-noisecancellinghoofdtelefoons-getest.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact USB-C repairability paragraph explicitly says ear cushions attach magnetically and are easily exchanged. Physical colour variants share the maker-defined cup design.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Ear cushions13Maker product pageapple.com/shop/product/MA6C4ZM/A/airpods-max-ear-cushions-midnightRead 6 October 2026AirPods Max Ear Cushions sold as a replacement part

Software

Companion app
Not available
App platforms
Not available
User firmware updates
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026Update your AirPods Max to the most recent firmware version

Dimensions and weight

Front and side, drawn to scale.

Headset weight
386.2g(13.6 oz)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026386.2 grams, including cushions
Headset dimensions
Width168.6Height187.3Depth83.4mm(6.6 × 7.4 × 3.3 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026Including cushions: width 168.6 mm, depth 83.4 mm, height 187.3 mm. Smart Case weighs 134.5 g and is not included in the headset weight

Certifications

Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
FCC ID
BCG-A318428Regulatory filingapi.att.gob.bo/numequip/uploads/ATT-DTLTIC-RA-H-TL%20LP%20663_2024.PDFRead 7 October 2026Official ATT Bolivia certificate, September 20, 2024, annex page 3: Apple model A3184, FCC certificate BCG-A3184. The document calls the product AirPods Max 2nd Gen, but the exact A3184 identity is the 2024 H1 USB-C refresh, not the 2026 A3454 Max 2. Downloaded PDF extracted with pdftotext.
Other certifications
Certificado de Homologación No. 663/202428Regulatory filingapi.att.gob.bo/numequip/uploads/ATT-DTLTIC-RA-H-TL%20LP%20663_2024.PDFRead 7 October 2026Official ATT Bolivia Certificado de Homologacion No. 663/2024 for Apple A3184. Issued September 20, 2024, valid until September 19, 2029. This is regulatory approval, not a communication-app certification or evidence of retail market availability.

In the box

In the box
AirPods Max 1 (USB-C), Smart Case, USB-C Charge Cable, Documentation1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/121205Read 7 October 2026In the Box: AirPods Max 1 (USB-C), Smart Case, USB-C Charge Cable, Documentation
Cables included
TypeCount
USB-C to USB-C charge cable1
Source7Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2025/03/lossless-audio-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-come-to-airpods-maxRead 6 October 2026The included USB-C cable is used for wired lossless audio. Apple does not publish its length8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 7 October 2026Use the included USB-C to USB-C cable15Press articlenotebookcheck.net/AirPods-Max-refresh-brings-new-colors-and-a-switch-to-USB-C.886432.0.htmlRead 6 October 2026Buyers get a braided USB-C charge cable in the box, not a Lightning to USB-C cable. Save for the new colors and port, nothing has changed
Carrying case
Soft14Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/12/apple-introduces-airpods-max-the-magic-of-airpods-in-a-stunning-over-ear-designRead 6 October 2026Soft, slim Smart Case. The USB-C model also ships with a Smart Case

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty (source market)
1year19Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/accessory-warranty-english.htmlRead 7 October 2026Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty, Accessory, for Apple and Beats branded products. One year from original retail purchase. US MWW43AM/A retailer listing independently names Apple One (1) Year Limited Warranty for parts and labour. Stored maker warranty applies to the US reference, excluding statutory consumer rights and AppleCare.

Compare with

Pick a headset to see both side by side. Differences are marked yellow.

More headset comparisons

Variants

Each variant lists only what differs from the specs above.

Model numberGTIN / EANColours
MWW43195949543890Midnight
MWW53Not availableStarlight
MWW63Not availableBlue
MWW73Not availableOrange
MWW83Not availablePurple

Sources

We read 35 sources for this headset. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.

  1. Read 7 October 2026Backs 25 fields
  2. Read 6 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  3. Read 6 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  4. Read 6 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  5. Read 6 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  6. Read 6 October 2026Backs 1 field
  7. Read 6 October 2026Backs 5 fields
  8. Read 7 October 2026Backs 7 fields
  9. Read 6 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  10. Read 6 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  11. Read 6 October 2026Backs 1 field
  12. Read 6 October 2026Backs 5 fields
  13. Read 6 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  14. Read 6 October 2026Backs 8 fields
  15. Read 6 October 2026Backs 1 field
  16. Read 6 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  17. Read 7 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  18. Read 7 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  19. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  20. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  21. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  22. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  23. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  24. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  25. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  26. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  27. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  28. Read 7 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  29. Read 7 October 2026Backs 6 fields
  30. Read 7 October 2026Backs 4 fields
  31. Read 7 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  32. Read 7 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  33. Read 7 October 2026Backs 1 field
  34. Read 23 October 2026Backs 1 field
  35. Read 23 October 2026Backs 1 field

See a wrong value? Tell us and name the field.