Does Iphone Xs Max Come with Airpods

Short answer: No, the iPhone XS Max does not come with AirPods in the box. Apple sold the iPhone XS Max starting in 2018 and only included a pair of wired EarPods with a Lightning connector, a USB power adapter, and a charging cable. AirPods have always been a separate purchase, though they pair seamlessly with the XS Max thanks to its built-in Bluetooth and iOS support.

So you just picked up an iPhone XS Max, or maybe you are thinking about buying one used, and a simple question popped into your head: does the iPhone XS Max come with AirPods in the box? You are definitely not the only one wondering. This is one of the most Googled questions around older iPhones, especially because Apple changed its accessory strategy over the years and people sometimes get confused about what ships where they are.

Here is the straight answer to save you time: no, the iPhone XS Max does not come with AirPods. Not when it launched in 2018, not now if you buy one renewed or pre-owned. The box always contained a wired pair of EarPods with a Lightning connector, a USB power adapter, and a Lightning to USB cable. AirPods are sold separately, full stop.

But that does not mean you cannot use AirPods with the XS Max. In fact, the phone pairs beautifully with every generation of AirPods, from the very first model to the latest Pro versions. In this guide, I will walk you through exactly what comes in the box, what AirPods work best, how to set them up, and how to save money when buying them. Think of this as your friendly walkthrough, no tech jargon required.

Key Takeaways

• No AirPods Included: The iPhone XS Max box contains EarPods with Lightning plug, not AirPods, and never has, even at launch.
• AirPods Pair Easily: Any generation of AirPods connects to the XS Max through Bluetooth, and Apple-designed chips make setup almost instant.
• Full Feature Support: The XS Max supports key AirPods features like automatic ear detection, Siri access, and audio sharing with compatible models.
• Buy Separately or Bundle: You can purchase AirPods at the same time as the phone, through Apple, carriers, or third-party sellers, often with deals.
• Wired Option Still Works: The included EarPods plug directly into the Lightning port and work without charging or pairing.
• No Adapter Needed: Unlike some Android phones, the XS Max does not require a headphone dongle for wired Lightning headphones.
• Evergreen Advice: Even years after release, this rule has not changed: AirPods are never a free iPhone bundle, only a paid accessory.

What Exactly Comes in the iPhone XS Max Box?

Let us start with the basics. When Apple launched the iPhone XS Max on September 21, 2018, the unboxing moment became a viral topic on YouTube. Reviewers showed off the minimalist packaging, and fans noticed that Apple kept things very simple. Inside the box, you would find exactly five items. No more, no less.

The Five Items in Every iPhone XS Max Box

• The iPhone XS Max itself: the star of the show, available in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold finishes.
• EarPods with Lightning Connector: wired earbuds that plug straight into the phone’s Lightning port.
• USB Power Adapter: a 5W charger that looks like a little square brick.
• Lightning to USB Cable: the white cable you use to charge and sync.
• Documentation: a quick start guide, warranty info, and the classic Apple logo stickers.

That is it. You will not find AirPods, you will not find wireless earbuds, and you will not find any surprises hiding under the tray. Did You Know: Apple saved roughly $3 to $5 per box by removing the old 3.5mm headphone jack adapter starting with the iPhone XS lineup, since the phone itself no longer had a headphone port. That tiny savings added up to hundreds of millions in profit over the phone’s lifetime.

Why Apple Includes EarPods Instead of AirPods

You might wonder why Apple includes wired EarPods but skips AirPods. The reason is simple: cost. A pair of standard AirPods retails for around $129, while wired EarPods cost Apple only a few dollars to produce. By including the cheap option, Apple keeps the iPhone XS Max’s entry price at $1,099 for the 64GB model, which was already considered premium at launch. Including AirPods would have pushed the price closer to $1,250 and made the phone harder to sell.

Think of it like buying a new car. The car comes with basic floor mats, but the fancy all-weather mats are an upgrade you pay extra for. Apple treats AirPods the same way: they are a premium accessory, not a standard feature.

Which AirPods Work Best with the iPhone XS Max?

Good news: every single AirPods model works with the iPhone XS Max. Since the phone has Bluetooth 5.0 built in and runs iOS 12 or later, it is fully compatible with Apple’s entire wireless earbuds family. Let me break down your options.

First Generation AirPods (2016 to 2019)

The original AirPods launched alongside the iPhone 7 and became an instant hit. They use Apple’s custom W1 chip, which makes pairing with an iPhone as easy as opening the lid near the phone. With the iPhone XS Max, you simply open the AirPods case near your phone, tap “Connect” on the popup, and you are done. These are the most affordable option if you want genuine Apple AirPods.

Second Generation AirPods (2019 to 2021)

The second generation upgraded the chip to the H1, which gave you faster pairing, better battery life during calls, and always-on “Hey Siri” support. The iPhone XS Max supports all of these features. If you find a deal on AirPods 2, they are a sweet spot for price and performance.

AirPods Pro (First and Second Generation)

For the best experience, AirPods Pro add active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and silicone ear tips for a snug fit. Both first and second generation Pro models pair perfectly with the XS Max. Did You Know: Apple’s H2 chip in AirPods Pro 2 unlocks even more iOS features on compatible phones, but the XS Max still gets roughly 90% of the benefit, since most features rely on the AirPods hardware itself, not the iPhone.

AirPods Max (Over-Ear Headphones)

If you prefer big over-ear cans, AirPods Max also work flawlessly with the XS Max. They are pricey, but the sound quality is stunning.

How to Pair AirPods with Your iPhone XS Max

Pairing AirPods with the iPhone XS Max is one of the easiest tech setups you will ever do. Apple designed it so anyone can do it, even if you have never used Bluetooth before.

Step by Step Pairing Guide

1. Make sure Bluetooth is on: swipe down from the top-right of your screen to open Control Center, and tap the Bluetooth icon so it turns blue.
2. Open the AirPods case: with the AirPods still inside, flip open the lid. Hold the case close to your iPhone, within a few inches.
3. Wait for the animation: your iPhone will show a popup with an image of your AirPods and a “Connect” button.
4. Tap Connect: the popup will guide you through the rest. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods 3 or later, you will see extra setup screens for features like spatial audio.
5. Done: once paired, your AirPods will automatically connect to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices linked to your iCloud account.

That is really all there is to it. No digging through Settings, no PIN codes, no frustration. Apple calls this “magical” for a reason. The whole process takes about ten seconds.

What if Pairing Does Not Work?

Sometimes things go wrong. If your AirPods do not show up, try these quick fixes:

• Make sure the AirPods are charged by checking the LED on the case.
• Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
• Restart your iPhone XS Max by holding the side button and a volume button until the slider appears.
• Check that your iOS is updated to the latest version your phone supports, which is iOS 16.

Where to Buy AirPods for Your iPhone XS Max

Since AirPods are not included, you will need to buy them separately. The good news is you have plenty of options, and prices have come down significantly over the years.

Apple Store (Online and Physical)

Buying directly from Apple guarantees you get genuine, brand-new AirPods with a full warranty. Prices start at around $129 for AirPods 2 with a wired charging case, $179 for AirPods 3, and $249 for AirPods Pro 2. You can also finance them through Apple Card monthly installments if you want to spread out the cost.

Authorized Retailers

Stores like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Amazon sell genuine AirPods, often with seasonal discounts. Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school sales are great times to snag a deal. Did You Know: on average, AirPods prices drop by 20% to 30% during major sales events, so waiting a few weeks can mean real savings.

Carriers and Mobile Providers

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile sometimes bundle AirPods free when you buy an iPhone on an installment plan. This trick started around 2019 and continues today. If you are buying a renewed iPhone XS Max, you can sometimes add AirPods at a discount through these same promotions.

Refurbished and Used Market

Since AirPods are small and easy to lose, the used market is huge. You can find AirPods in great condition on Swappa, eBay, Gazelle, or Facebook Marketplace for 40% to 60% off retail. Just make sure you buy from a trusted seller and check that the serial number is valid on Apple’s coverage checker website.

Third-Party Alternatives

If AirPods are out of your budget, brands like Beats, Anker, Jabra, and Samsung make excellent wireless earbuds that work with the iPhone XS Max. They cost as little as $30 and offer features like noise cancellation. Just remember, you lose the seamless Apple pairing and the deep iOS integration that AirPods provide.

Common Myths About iPhone XS Max and AirPods

Over the years, I have heard all sorts of wild claims. Let us clear up the most common myths once and for all.

Myth 1: Some iPhone XS Max Models Came with AirPods

False. Every single iPhone XS Max, regardless of storage size (64GB, 256GB, or 512GB), color, or region, shipped with EarPods, not AirPods. There was no special edition, no holiday bundle, and no carrier exclusive that included AirPods in the box. If someone tells you otherwise, they are misremembering.

Myth 2: AirPods Are Free with iPhone Trade-Ins

Sometimes promotional trade-in deals offer AirPods as a gift card or rebate, but you still pay for them indirectly through your trade-in credit. They are not literally free. Did You Know: in 2020, Apple’s “AirPods with iPhone” promotion gave up to $159 in credit toward AirPods, but only when you traded in a qualifying older iPhone. People still spent money.

Myth 3: AirPods Charge Through the iPhone XS Max

False. AirPods charge through their case, either via Lightning cable, wireless charging (on certain models), or MagSafe. Your iPhone XS Max cannot charge AirPods directly. The only exception is reverse wireless charging, which the iPhone XS Max does not have.

Myth 4: AirPods Only Work with Apple Devices

False. AirPods use standard Bluetooth, so they work with Android phones, Windows laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. You lose some features like automatic switching and spatial audio, but they still play music just fine.

Myth 5: The iPhone XS Max Will Not Support Future AirPods

The XS Max supports iOS 16, which is the final version it can run. Newer AirPods features tied to iOS 17 or later may not work perfectly, but basic functions like pairing, playing music, taking calls, and using Siri still work fine. Did You Know: Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5 to 6 years after launch. The XS Max launched in 2018, so it is now in its seventh year and is considered a legacy device.

Smart Tips for Getting the Most Out of AirPods with Your XS Max

Now that you know you need to buy AirPods separately, here are some practical tips to make the experience smooth and affordable.

Tip 1: Check Battery Health Regularly

AirPods batteries degrade over time. After two to three years, you may notice shorter listening time. You can check battery levels by opening the case near your iPhone XS Max. If the charge drops fast, consider replacing the earbuds or the case battery.

Tip 2: Use the Ear Tip Fit Test

If you buy AirPods Pro, run the Ear Tip Fit Test in Settings > Bluetooth > AirPods Pro > Ear Tip Fit Test. This makes sure you are using the right size silicone tip for the best sound and noise cancellation.

Tip 3: Enable Automatic Switching

If you own multiple Apple devices, sign in to iCloud on all of them. Your AirPods will then automatically switch between your iPhone XS Max, iPad, and Mac depending on which one you are using. It feels like magic, and it is one of the best reasons to stay in the Apple ecosystem.

Tip 4: Customize the Press and Hold Actions

On AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 and later, you can customize what the force sensor or stem press does. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, and choose between Siri, play/pause, next track, or noise control modes.

Tip 5: Clean Them Often

Earwax and lint clog the speaker mesh and reduce sound quality. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft, dry toothbrush to clean the mesh gently. Apple does not recommend liquids, so keep them dry.

Tip 6: Use Find My if You Lose Them

AirPods (all generations except the very first) support Find My tracking. Open the Find My app on your iPhone XS Max, tap the Devices tab, and select your AirPods to see their last known spot on a map. You can even play a sound to help locate them in your couch cushions.

Final Thoughts on the iPhone XS Max and AirPods

So, to circle back to the original question: does iPhone XS Max come with AirPods? The answer remains a clear and simple no. The box has never included AirPods, and buying one renewed or used will not change that. What you get instead is a pair of wired Lightning EarPods, which still work perfectly fine for calls, music, and podcasts.

That said, the iPhone XS Max is a fantastic phone for using AirPods if you choose to buy them. With Bluetooth 5.0, iOS 16 support, and seamless pairing, you get almost every feature that newer iPhones offer. Whether you spring for AirPods Pro for noise cancellation or grab a budget pair of AirPods 2 for casual listening, your XS Max will treat them well.

Before you buy, shop around, check for bundles, and consider refurbished options to save money. And remember, AirPods are an investment, not a given. Now you have the full picture, so you can make the best decision for your ears and your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone XS Max come with AirPods in the box?

No, the iPhone XS Max has never included AirPods in the box. Since its launch in 2018, the package has only contained wired EarPods with a Lightning connector, a charger, a cable, and paperwork. AirPods are sold separately as a premium accessory.

Can I use AirPods Pro with the iPhone XS Max?

Yes, AirPods Pro work perfectly with the iPhone XS Max. The phone supports active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio features through its iOS software. Pairing is just as simple as with any other AirPods model, thanks to Apple’s H1 and H2 chips.

What headphones are included with the iPhone XS Max?

The iPhone XS Max comes with a pair of EarPods that have a Lightning connector. These plug directly into the phone’s charging port and work without Bluetooth, batteries, or pairing. They are Apple’s wired alternative to AirPods.

How do I know if AirPods are genuine when buying used?

Check the serial number on the AirPods case and enter it into Apple’s official coverage checker website at checkcoverage.apple.com. If the site recognizes the serial number and shows valid coverage, they are genuine. If it shows an error or no information, they may be counterfeit.

Will newer AirPods features work on the iPhone XS Max?

Most core AirPods features work on the iPhone XS Max, including pairing, automatic ear detection, Siri, and audio sharing. Some features introduced in iOS 17 or later, such as Adaptive Audio on AirPods Pro 2, require a newer iPhone and will not be available on the XS Max.

Is it worth buying AirPods for an iPhone XS Max in 2024?

It depends on your needs. If you want wireless audio and already love the iPhone XS Max, AirPods are a great upgrade. However, since the XS Max is a legacy device, you may want to save money by buying refurbished AirPods or considering AirPods 2 instead of the latest Pro models.