Does Apple Make Over the Ear Headphones

Yes, Apple absolutely makes over-ear headphones. The product is called AirPods Max, launched in December 2020, and it represents Apple’s premium entry into the over-ear headphone market. Available in five stylish colors, AirPods Max combines high-fidelity sound with Apple’s signature noise cancellation technology, though it comes with a premium price tag of $549.

You might be surprised to learn this, but Apple does indeed make over-ear headphones. Many folks assume Apple only makes those tiny earbuds we see everywhere, but the tech giant stepped into the over-ear headphone game back in 2020.

The product is called AirPods Max, and it changed the conversation about what premium headphones could be. When Apple announced these headphones, they made headlines for two big reasons. First, they sound amazing with rich, detailed audio. Second, they cost $549, which shocked a lot of people who thought $200 was already expensive for headphones.

In this guide, we’ll answer all your burning questions about Apple’s over-ear headphones. We’ll cover who they’re for, what makes them special, where you can buy them, when they launched, and why they cost so much. By the end, you’ll know if AirPods Max is the right choice for your ears and your budget.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Apple makes over-ear headphones: The product is called AirPods Max, first released on December 15, 2020.
• Premium price point: AirPods Max retails for $549, making it one of the most expensive consumer headphones on the market.
• Five color options available: Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green give users stylish choices.
• Active Noise Cancellation included: AirPods Max features the same ANC technology found in AirPods Pro.
• Not sweat or water-resistant: Unlike AirPods Pro, these are designed for indoor or casual outdoor use only.
• 20-hour listening time: A single charge provides all-day battery life with ANC enabled.
• Smart Case included: Apple includes a unique case that puts the headphones in an ultra-low power state.

The Short Answer: Yes, Apple Makes Over-Ear Headphones

Let’s get the main question out of the way first. Yes, Apple makes over-ear headphones. The official name is AirPods Max, and you can buy them right now from Apple and other retailers.

Before AirPods Max launched, Apple only made in-ear headphones. That includes the wired EarPods that came with iPhones for years, plus the wireless AirPods and AirPods Pro that most people know today. These small options are great for portability, but they can’t deliver the big, immersive sound that over-ear headphones provide.

Think of it like this: in-ear buds are like a personal concert happening right in your ear canal, while over-ear headphones are like sitting in a music studio with speakers all around you. Both are great, but the experience is very different. Apple wanted to offer both options, so they created AirPods Max.

The headphones launched on December 15, 2020, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Apple announced them with a simple press release and immediately started taking orders online. They sold out quickly, and shipping times stretched into early 2021 because demand was so high.

What Exactly Are AirPods Max?

AirPods Max are premium wireless headphones that cover your entire ear. Unlike earbuds that sit inside your ear, these headphones have large cushioned cups that go over your ears completely. This design helps block outside noise naturally while delivering powerful sound.

Design Features That Stand Out

The design of AirPods Max is one of its most talked-about features. Apple used premium materials throughout the build.

• The headband: Made of stainless steel with a soft mesh canopy on the bottom. The mesh spreads weight evenly across your head, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions.
• The ear cups: Memory foam cushions wrapped in a breathable mesh fabric. They feel soft against your skin and create a good seal around your ears.
• The frame: Aluminum ear cups that feel solid and substantial in your hands.
• The colors: Five options including Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green.

One unique design element is the Digital Crown. You might recognize this from the Apple Watch. Apple put a similar knob on the top of one ear cup. You can twist it to adjust volume, press it once to play or pause music, press it twice to skip songs, and press and hold to summon Siri.

Imagine having a TV remote control built right into your headphone. That’s basically what the Digital Crown does for your music.

Technical Specifications Worth Knowing

Here’s a quick look at what makes AirPods Max tick under the hood:

• Driver: 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver
• Chip: Apple H1 chip in each ear cup (yes, there are two chips)
• Battery life: Up to 20 hours of listening, watching, or talking
• Charging: Lightning connector (yes, not USB-C, which frustrated some fans)
• Weight: 13.6 ounces (384.8 grams)
• Bluetooth: Version 5.0

Did you know? AirPods Max uses two H1 chips, one in each ear cup. Most headphones have just one chip handling everything. Apple split the work between two chips to deliver better noise cancellation and spatial audio processing.

Who Are AirPods Max Made For?

Apple created AirPods Max for a specific type of user. They’re not for casual listeners who just want something cheap to take on the subway. Let me explain who gets the most value from AirPods Max.

The Apple Ecosystem Loyalist

If you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, AirPods Max will feel like magic. They pair instantly with all your devices using your iCloud account. You can start watching a movie on your iPad and then switch to your iPhone for a call without missing a beat.

This seamless switching is something other brands struggle to match. The magic works because Apple controls both the software (iOS, macOS) and the hardware (AirPods Max). It’s the same reason AirPods work so well with iPhones.

The Audiophile on the Go

Audiophiles are people who really, really care about sound quality. They notice tiny details in music that most people miss. AirPods Max delivers excellent sound that satisfies many picky listeners, though true audiophiles sometimes prefer wired options.

The headphones support high-quality audio codecs and feature adaptive EQ, which adjusts sound in real-time based on how the cushions seal against your head. Think of it like automatic headlights on a car that adjust based on darkness, except it’s your music adjusting based on your ear shape.

The Work-From-Home Professional

With more people working remotely than ever, good headphones for calls and focus time matter. AirPods Max excels here. The noise cancellation blocks out barking dogs, chatty roommates, and street noise. The microphones pick up your voice clearly during Zoom calls.

Apple reports that AirPods Max has nine microphones total. Eight are used for Active Noise Cancellation, and three of those also handle voice pickup during calls. That’s some serious microphone engineering.

Who Should Probably Skip AirPods Max?

AirPods Max isn’t for everyone. You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You’re an Android user (you lose most of the cool features)
• You work out a lot (they’re not water-resistant)
• You’re on a tight budget ($549 is a lot for headphones)
• You want something lightweight (these are heavier than most competitors)
• You travel constantly (the case doesn’t offer much protection)

Where Can You Buy AirPods Max?

You have several options when shopping for AirPods Max. Let’s explore the best places to buy.

Direct from Apple

The most obvious place is Apple’s website at Apple.com or the Apple Store app. Buying direct from Apple means you get:

• Full warranty coverage
• Access to Apple Trade In for discounts
• Free engraving (if you want something fun like emojis)
• Easy returns within 14 days
• Apple Card monthly installments (pay over 12 months with no interest)

Other Authorized Retailers

You can also find AirPods Max at many other stores:

• Best Buy
• Amazon
• Target
• B&H Photo
• Costco (sometimes)

Shopping at authorized retailers can sometimes save you money. The MSRP is $549, but you might find deals during Black Friday, Prime Day, or other sale events.

Refurbished Options

Apple sells certified refurbished AirPods Max on their website at a discount. These products work like new, come with new batteries and outer shells, and include the same one-year warranty. You can save around 15-20% compared to buying new.

Refurbished is like buying a “like new” car that someone returned. It got inspected, fixed up, and is ready for a new owner at a lower price.

When Did AirPods Max Launch and What’s Next?

AirPods Max launched on December 15, 2020. It was a strange time to launch headphones because the COVID-19 pandemic was still causing major disruptions worldwide. Yet Apple managed to ship the product on schedule.

The Launch Timeline

• December 8, 2020: Apple officially announced AirPods Max via press release
• December 15, 2020: Sales began online and in stores
• Early 2021: Shipping times stretched to 12-14 weeks due to high demand
• November 2024: Apple refreshed the model with USB-C charging and new colors

Did you know? The original AirPods Max took an unusually long time to reach customers. Some people who ordered in December 2020 didn’t receive their headphones until March or April 2021. That’s a 3-4 month wait, which is rare for Apple products.

The 2024 Update

In late 2024, Apple released an updated version of AirPods Max. The changes were relatively minor but important:

• USB-C charging port instead of Lightning (matching newer iPhones)
• Five new colors replacing the original options
• Same $549 price point
• Same overall design and features

Many Apple fans had hoped for bigger updates like better battery life or a lighter design. Apple chose to keep things mostly the same while updating the charging port to match the rest of their product lineup.

What’s Rumored for the Future?

The internet is full of speculation about AirPods Max 2. Here’s what people are hoping for:

• Lighter weight design
• Better battery life (30+ hours)
• Improved noise cancellation
• New H3 chip for better processing
• Health tracking features

None of these are confirmed, but Apple typically updates AirPods every 2-3 years, so a major refresh might come in 2025 or 2026.

Why Are AirPods Max So Expensive?

This is probably the most common question people ask. At $549, AirPods Max costs more than many competitors that audiophiles love. Let’s break down why.

The Materials Argument

Apple uses premium materials that cost more to source and manufacture. Aluminum costs more than plastic. Stainless steel costs more than aluminum. Memory foam costs more than basic foam. When you stack all these premium choices together, the bill of materials adds up.

Compared to headphones like Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399) or Bose QuietComfort ($429), AirPods Max uses more metal and higher-end fabrics. Think of it like buying a Toyota versus a Lexus. Both get you from point A to point B, but the Lexus uses nicer materials throughout.

The Engineering Argument

Apple spent years developing AirPods Max. They built custom drivers, designed dual H1 chips, and engineered a unique suspension system for the headband. R&D (research and development) costs money, and Apple spreads those costs across the products they make.

The Digital Crown alone took significant engineering effort. Putting a physical control on a wireless headphone in an age of touch controls was a bold choice that required custom design work.

The Apple Tax Argument

Critics argue that Apple charges premium prices simply because they can. People are willing to pay extra for the Apple logo and ecosystem integration. This is sometimes called the “Apple tax.”

Whether this is fair depends on your perspective. Some people see it as paying for quality and features. Others see it as paying extra for a brand name. The truth is probably somewhere in between.

The Value Comparison

Let’s see how AirPods Max compares price-wise to competitors:

• AirPods Max: $549
• Sony WH-1000XM5: $399
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: $429
• Sennheiser Momentum 4: $349
• Bowers & Wilkins Px8: $699

As you can see, AirPods Max sits in the premium tier but isn’t the absolute most expensive option. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 actually costs more.

AirPods Max vs. AirPods Pro: Which Should You Buy?

Many people wonder whether they should get AirPods Max or AirPods Pro. Both are Apple products with Active Noise Cancellation, but they serve different purposes.

The Big Differences

• Form factor: AirPods Max are over-ear, AirPods Pro are in-ear
• Price: AirPods Max is $549, AirPods Pro 2 is $249
• Portability: AirPods Pro fits in your pocket; AirPods Max needs a bag
• Sound quality: AirPods Max delivers fuller, richer sound
• Workout use: AirPods Pro is sweat-resistant; AirPods Max is not

Choose AirPods Max If…

You want the best sound quality Apple offers, you primarily use headphones at home or in the office, and you don’t mind spending extra for premium build quality.

Choose AirPods Pro If…

You want something portable for the gym, commuting, and travel. You need something that works well for phone calls on the go. Budget matters more than absolute best sound.

Did You Know?

Did you know that AirPods Pro actually has slightly better Active Noise Cancellation than AirPods Max in some situations? This is because the in-ear seal blocks more noise passively than over-ear cushions can. However, AirPods Max wins on overall sound quality and comfort for long sessions.

Common Problems and Concerns with AirPods Max

No product is perfect. AirPods Max has some well-documented issues worth knowing about.

The Weight Issue

At 13.6 ounces, AirPods Max is heavier than most competitors. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 weighs just 8.8 ounces. That extra weight can cause neck fatigue during long listening sessions. Some users report discomfort after 2-3 hours of continuous use.

It’s like carrying a small bag of flour on your head. After a while, you’ll feel it.

The Case Controversy

The included Smart Case drew criticism when AirPods Max launched. It looks unusual, doesn’t fully protect the headphones, and only covers the ear cups. Apple designed it to put the headphones in an ultra-low power state, but many people expected a traditional protective case.

You can buy third-party cases that offer better protection for $20-$50 if the Smart Case bothers you.

The Battery Drain Mystery

Some users noticed that AirPods Max drains battery even when not in use. Apple explained that putting them in the Smart Case activates an ultra-low power mode, but leaving them out drains the battery within days.

Other headphones can sit unused for weeks without dying. This is a real annoyance for people who don’t use their headphones daily.

The No Power Button Issue

AirPods Max doesn’t have a traditional power button. Instead, you rely on the Smart Case to put them in low-power mode or let them automatically sleep after being stationary for a while. Some users find this confusing at first.

Tips for Getting the Most from AirPods Max

If you decide to buy AirPods Max, here are some tips to maximize your experience.

Tip 1: Customize the Controls

You can change what the noise control button does on your AirPods Max. Go to Settings > AirPods Max > Button Cycle to choose between cycling through Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, and Off, or just toggling between two modes.

Tip 2: Use Spatial Audio for Movies

Spatial Audio makes movies feel like sound is coming from all around you. It works with content from Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, and other streaming services. Enable it in Settings for an immersive experience.

Tip 3: Keep Them in the Case When Not in Use

Always put your AirPods Max in the Smart Case when you’re not using them. This preserves battery life significantly. If you leave them out, you’ll need to charge them much more often.

Tip 4: Clean Them Properly

Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the ear cups and headband. Don’t use water or cleaning solutions. The mesh ear cushions are replaceable if they get worn out.

Tip 5: Take Advantage of AppleCare+

AppleCare+ for Headphones costs $69 and extends your warranty to two years plus covers up to two incidents of accidental damage. For a $549 product, this insurance is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple really make over-ear headphones?

Yes, Apple makes over-ear headphones called AirPods Max. They launched in December 2020 and remain available for purchase today. Apple refreshed them in 2024 with USB-C charging and new color options.

How much do AirPods Max cost?

AirPods Max retails for $549. Occasionally, authorized retailers offer them for less during sales events like Black Friday. Apple also sells certified refurbished versions at a discount of around 15-20%.

Are AirPods Max worth the money?

Whether AirPods Max is worth the money depends on your priorities. If you want premium build quality, excellent sound, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, and don’t mind the weight, they’re worth considering. If you prioritize portability, value, or workout use, look at AirPods Pro or competitors instead.

Can you use AirPods Max with Android phones?

Yes, AirPods Max works with Android phones as basic Bluetooth headphones. However, you’ll lose access to many features like automatic switching, spatial audio, Siri integration, and customizable controls. For the best experience, AirPods Max really needs an iPhone or other Apple device.

Do AirPods Max have a microphone for calls?

Yes, AirPods Max has multiple microphones for phone calls and video chats. Three of the nine microphones focus on voice pickup, while the other eight handle Active Noise Cancellation. Call quality is generally excellent according to reviews.

Will there be a new AirPods Max soon?

Apple hasn’t officially announced a new AirPods Max. Industry rumors suggest a major refresh might come in 2025 or 2026 with improvements to weight, battery life, and possibly new health tracking features. For now, the 2024 version with USB-C is the current model.

The Final Verdict on Apple’s Over-Ear Headphones

So, to answer your original question: yes, Apple absolutely makes over-ear headphones. They’re called AirPods Max, and they represent Apple’s premium take on what over-ear headphones should be.

AirPods Max isn’t for casual listeners or budget shoppers. At that price point, they compete with serious audiophile gear from brands like Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins. For people deep in the Apple ecosystem who want the best wireless audio experience Apple offers, AirPods Max delivers. The sound quality is excellent, the build quality is premium, and the integration with Apple devices is unmatched.

However, if you’re an Android user, need workout headphones, want something ultra-portable, or care about getting the best value, AirPods Max probably isn’t the right choice. The Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort offer comparable noise cancellation at lower prices with broader device compatibility.

Ultimately, AirPods Max proves that Apple takes audio seriously beyond just earbuds. Whether they fit your needs depends on how you use headphones, what devices you own, and how much you value premium experiences. Now that you know the full story, you can make an informed decision about whether these distinctive over-ear headphones deserve a spot on your head.