Accessory · Apple Silicon · 2020
AirPods Max
Lavish over-ear headphones with a stainless frame, knit-mesh band and superb noise cancellation — and a polarising price, plus a "Smart Case" the internet endlessly compared to a handbag.
AirPods Max: key facts
When was the AirPods Max released?
The AirPods Max was released in 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 are the AirPods Max’s specs?
The AirPods Max used a Dual Apple H1, with None of memory. It ran AirPods firmware (H1).
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) | None |
| Storage | — |
| Display | None |
| GPU | None |
| 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).
Cross-architecture speed figures are clock-only and approximate; inflation figures use US CPI.
Did you know?
There’s no off switch; they rely on the bra-like Smart Case to sleep.
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Last updated: 2026-06-25