We got ‘new’ AirPods Max after four years, and all that’s new is USB-C

Apple didn't change much on its 4-year old headphones.

We got ‘new’ AirPods Max after four years, and all that’s new is USB-C
Apple Event September 9 35 11 screenshot
Credit: Apple
  • Apple finally updated the AirPods Max, but the only major change is the switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging.
  • The refresh also includes support for Personalized Spatial Audio on iOS 18 and five new color options.
  • The new AirPods Max are available for preorder at $549 and will be available starting September 20.

Apple’s iPhone 16 launch event also brought news for audio enthusiasts, but it might not be what they were hoping for. While we did get to see two new AirPods models, Apple also unveiled a minor refresh to its premium over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max.

The original AirPods Max, released four years ago, have earned a reputation as one of the best over-the-ear headphones in the market, thanks to their exceptional sound quality, industry-leading active noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. However, they’ve also been criticized for their hefty weight and a so-called “case” that offers little real protection — issues many hoped Apple would address with a new model.