Does Iphone Xs Max Come with Earpods

No, the iPhone XS Max does not come with EarPods in the box. When Apple launched the XS Max in September 2018, the package included only the phone, a Lightning to USB cable, and a 5W USB power adapter. Apple removed EarPods starting with the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020 to reduce e-waste, but the XS Max was the last flagship to ship without them as part of a shifting accessory strategy.

If you just unboxed a brand-new iPhone XS Max, lifted up the little cardboard tray, and started digging around for headphones, you are definitely not alone. One of the most common questions from buyers, both back in 2018 and even today on the used market, is whether Apple tucked a pair of EarPods into that slim white box. It is a fair question because, for years, Apple included wired headphones with every iPhone. So let us settle this once and for all and walk through everything you actually get in the box, why Apple made the choices they did, and what your best options are if you want to listen to music, podcasts, or take calls on your XS Max.

The short answer is simple: no, the iPhone XS Max does not come with EarPods. But the longer story is way more interesting. Apple’s decision to drop wired headphones from the XS Max box was a quiet revolution that changed how millions of people listen to music on their phones. It also set the stage for the even bigger accessory shake-up that came with the iPhone 12 in 2020. By understanding the XS Max’s accessory situation, you will also understand the broader shift happening across the entire smartphone industry, where companies are trimming boxes, cutting cables, and pushing us all toward Bluetooth.

Whether you are shopping for a new XS Max in 2024, picking up a refurbished unit, or just curious about Apple’s accessory strategy, this guide has you covered. We will look at what is actually in the box, the history of EarPods, why Apple made these changes, and the best headphone and earbud options for your XS Max today.

Key Takeaways

• EarPods Not Included: The iPhone XS Max box contains the phone, a USB-A to Lightning cable, and a 5W power adapter, but no EarPods or headphones of any kind.
• The Headphone Jack Era Was Over: The XS Max was one of the first flagship iPhones to ship with no 3.5mm headphone jack and no wired headphones included, signaling Apple’s push to wireless audio.
• Why Apple Dropped EarPods Later: Apple officially removed EarPods from iPhone 12 boxes in October 2020 to cut carbon emissions and shrink packaging, not because of the XS Max.
• Lightning EarPods Are Compatible: You can buy Apple’s Lightning EarPods separately for around $19 to $29, and they plug directly into the XS Max’s Lightning port.
• AirPods Are the Wireless Solution: AirPods and AirPods Pro pair seamlessly with the XS Max thanks to the W1 chip, making them Apple’s recommended audio choice.
• Used and Refurbished XS Max Buyers Should Verify: Previous owners sometimes include EarPods, so check listings carefully if you want wired headphones included.
• Adapter Is Available Separately: If you have traditional 3.5mm headphones, Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm adapter costs around $9 and works perfectly with the XS Max.

What Exactly Comes in the iPhone XS Max Box?

Let us start with the basics by opening up that iconic white Apple box. The iPhone XS Max, launched in September 2018, shipped with one of the leanest accessory bundles in iPhone history at that point. Here is the complete list of what Apple included:

• The iPhone XS Max itself, in your chosen color and storage capacity
• A Lightning to USB cable for charging and syncing
• A 5W USB power adapter for plugging into the wall
• Documentation pack, including the quick start guide, Apple logo stickers, warranty info, and a SIM eject tool

That is the entire contents. Notice what is missing? There are no EarPods, no headphones of any kind, no Lightning to 3.5mm adapter, and no wireless earbuds. You get the phone and the bare minimum needed to charge it. For context, Apple used to include a pair of EarPods with every iPhone dating back to the original model in 2007. The iPhone 7 was the first to remove the headphone jack, but it still came with Lightning EarPods and an adapter. The XS Max took the next step by removing the headphones entirely.

To put it simply, think of the iPhone XS Max box like buying a new TV. You get the screen, the power cord, and a quick-start guide, but you have to buy the sound system separately. Apple basically said, “Here is the phone, you handle the audio.” It was a bold move at the time, and it made a lot of people scratch their heads.

Did Apple Sell the iPhone XS Max With Any Audio Accessories Bundled?

Not at the standard retail level. However, some carriers and retailers occasionally ran promotions where buying an XS Max came with a free pair of Beats headphones or an Apple gift card, but these were third-party promotions, not standard Apple packaging. If you bought directly from Apple, you got exactly what is listed above and nothing more.

Why Doesn’t the iPhone XS Max Come with EarPods?

This is where things get interesting. There are actually two big reasons, and they involve both hardware design and long-term corporate strategy. Let us break each one down.

Reason 1: The Headphone Jack Was Already Gone

The iPhone XS Max does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple removed it back in 2016 with the iPhone 7, and by 2018, the entire flagship iPhone lineup had moved on. When you do not have a traditional headphone port, your options for included headphones narrow significantly. Apple could have included Lightning EarPods (which they did with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8), but they chose not to with the XS Max.

Why? Because Apple was already pushing the world toward wireless audio. The original AirPods launched in late 2016, right after the iPhone 7, and by 2018, AirPods had become a massive cultural phenomenon. Apple saw an opportunity to push customers toward their wireless earbuds rather than give them a free pair of wired ones. Think of it like this: if a coffee shop gave away free coffee mugs, fewer people would buy their fancy travel tumblers. Apple wanted to sell more AirPods, and including EarPods in every box would have hurt those sales.

Reason 2: Apple Was Testing the Waters for Bigger Changes

The XS Max was released in September 2018, and just two years later, Apple made an even bolder move with the iPhone 12. They removed both EarPods AND the power adapter from the box, citing environmental concerns. By dropping EarPods from the XS Max first, Apple was essentially running a beta test. They wanted to see if customers would complain, how the market would react, and whether people would just buy AirPods anyway.

As it turns out, the test was a success. The XS Max launch was the first major iPhone release without included headphones, and the backlash was relatively minor. This gave Apple the confidence to go even further with the iPhone 12, removing the charger and EarPods from the box entirely. So in a way, your iPhone XS Max was part of a quiet experiment that shaped how every iPhone is packaged today.

The Environmental Argument

Apple has consistently said that removing accessories reduces electronic waste, shrinks packaging (which means more devices fit on shipping pallets), and lowers the company’s overall carbon footprint. When Apple removed EarPods and the charger from the iPhone 12 box, they estimated the change would eliminate over 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. That is a huge number, and while removing headphones from the XS Max had a smaller impact, it was part of the same long-term vision.

When Did Apple Stop Including EarPods with iPhones?

The timeline here is important because there is some confusion online. Let us walk through the key dates so you know exactly when each change happened.

• 2007 to 2012: Every iPhone included traditional 3.5mm EarPods with a headphone jack plug.
• 2012 to 2016: Apple redesigned EarPods with a more comfortable shape, but they still had a 3.5mm plug and were included in every box.
• 2016 (iPhone 7): The headphone jack was removed. Apple included Lightning EarPods and a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter in the box.
• 2017 (iPhone 8 and X): Lightning EarPods and the adapter were still included.
• 2018 (iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR): EarPods were removed from the box. This is the first iPhone generation to ship without headphones.
• 2019 (iPhone 11 series): Same as the XS Max, no EarPods in the box.
• 2020 (iPhone 12 series): Apple officially confirmed EarPods and the power adapter were removed for environmental reasons.
• 2021 and beyond: No EarPods or charger included with any new iPhone.

So the iPhone XS Max was at the front of this transition. It was the first iPhone to break the long-standing tradition of including headphones. That is a pretty big deal in tech history, even if it did not make huge headlines at the time.

Did Apple Announce the XS Max Accessory Change?

Not in a big way. Apple did not hold a press conference or send out a flashy announcement about removing EarPods from the XS Max box. They simply updated the product packaging and listed the box contents on their tech specs page. If you bought the phone and did not pay close attention, you might have missed the change entirely until you got home and started unboxing. This low-key approach was a deliberate strategy. They did not want to draw attention to the removal and risk backlash during the launch.

What Are Your Best Audio Options for the iPhone XS Max?

Just because the XS Max does not come with headphones does not mean you are out of luck. In fact, you have more options today than ever before, and many of them work beautifully with the XS Max. Let us explore the top choices.

Option 1: Lightning EarPods (Apple’s Wired Solution)

If you want a pair of wired headphones that plug directly into your iPhone XS Max without an adapter, Apple’s Lightning EarPods are the obvious choice. They have the same familiar shape as the classic EarPods but with a Lightning connector instead of a 3.5mm plug. You can buy them directly from Apple for around $19 to $29, depending on sales and promotions.

The good news is they sound decent, fit comfortably for most people, and work seamlessly with the XS Max. The bad news is they cannot charge and listen at the same time unless you buy a splitter, which is a real pain point for some users. Imagine wanting to listen to music while charging your phone in the car. With Lightning EarPods, you cannot do both without an extra accessory. This is one of the biggest reasons Apple and the rest of the industry are moving toward wireless audio.

Option 2: AirPods and AirPods Pro (Apple’s Wireless Solution)

AirPods are the gold standard for iPhone audio, and they work beautifully with the iPhone XS Max. The original AirPods (2019 version) and AirPods Pro pair almost instantly thanks to the W1 chip inside, and they offer solid sound quality, good battery life, and super convenient features like automatic ear detection and Siri integration.

For the best experience on an XS Max, the AirPods Pro (1st generation) is a fantastic choice. They support active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and adaptive EQ. They are a bit pricier than the standard AirPods, but the upgrade is worth it for anyone who listens to music or takes calls frequently. You can often find them on sale for around $150 to $200, especially refurbished.

If you want the absolute best, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) also work with the XS Max, though you will not get all the latest features because some require newer iPhone models. Still, the basic pairing, sound quality, and noise cancellation work great.

Option 3: Third-Party Wireless Earbuds

You are not locked into Apple-branded options. The XS Max works with any Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, so brands like Sony, Bose, Samsung, Jabra, and Beats all make excellent wireless options. In fact, Beats is technically owned by Apple, so Beats earbuds like the Beats Studio Buds or Beats Fit Pro pair extra smoothly with the XS Max.

Some popular picks for iPhone XS Max users include:

• Sony WF-1000XM4 for amazing noise cancellation
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for premium comfort
• Beats Studio Buds for seamless iPhone integration at a lower price than AirPods Pro
• Anker Soundcore Liberty Air for budget-friendly quality

Option 4: Use Traditional 3.5mm Headphones with an Adapter

If you already own a pair of wired headphones with a traditional 3.5mm plug, do not throw them out. Apple sells a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter for around $9, and it works perfectly with the XS Max. You simply plug the adapter into your phone’s Lightning port, then plug your headphones into the adapter, and you are good to go.

The downside is the same as Lightning EarPods: you cannot charge your phone and listen to music at the same time without buying a Lightning splitter. But the upside is you get to keep using your favorite wired headphones, which is great for anyone with high-end audiophile gear.

What About Buying a Used or Refurbished iPhone XS Max?

The iPhone XS Max was originally released in 2018, so buying one today almost always means getting a used or refurbished unit. This opens up some interesting questions about accessories. Let us go through what you need to know.

Will a Used XS Max Come with EarPods?

It depends entirely on the seller. Apple never included EarPods with the XS Max, so any new-old-stock unit will not have them. However, some previous owners include their personal EarPods or other headphones when they sell their phone. If you buy from a private seller, you can ask them to throw in their Lightning EarPods or AirPods. If you buy from a reseller like Gazelle, Swappa, or Back Market, the accessories included will vary by listing.

When shopping for a used XS Max, always check the “what is included” section of the listing. Some refurbished units come with a charging cable and adapter, while others are “phone only.” If you want EarPods included, look for listings that specifically mention them.

Are Refurbished iPhones from Apple Worth It?

Yes, Apple-certified refurbished iPhones are a great option because they come with a new battery, new outer shell, and a full one-year warranty. They also include the standard accessories, which for the XS Max means a Lightning cable and 5W adapter but no EarPods. The refurbished market is also a great place to find older AirPods at a discount, so you can bundle your purchase.

Should You Buy EarPods Separately for an Older iPhone?

That depends on your budget and preferences. If you already own AirPods or wireless earbuds, you do not need Lightning EarPods at all. If you prefer wired audio and want a budget-friendly option, Lightning EarPods are a solid pick. For around $20, you get a reliable pair of headphones that will work perfectly with your XS Max.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About the iPhone XS Max and EarPods

There is a lot of confusion online about this topic, so let us clear up a few common myths.

Myth 1: “The iPhone XS Max Comes with AirPods.”

Absolutely not. Apple has never included AirPods with any iPhone as a standard accessory. The XS Max came out in 2018, and AirPods were still a separate purchase at that time. Sometimes carriers or retailers offer promotional bundles that include AirPods, but that is not the standard packaging.

Myth 2: “Apple Removed the Charger to Make People Buy AirPods.”

While removing accessories does push some customers toward buying AirPods, Apple’s official reason is environmental. Reducing the size of the box means more phones fit on a shipping pallet, which reduces transportation-related carbon emissions. Removing unused accessories also keeps them out of landfills. Whether you believe Apple’s environmental claims or see it as a profit strategy, the result is the same: you do not get EarPods in the box.

Myth 3: “The XS Max Cannot Use Wired Headphones.”

It can, but you need either Lightning headphones or a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter. The XS Max has no headphone jack, so traditional 3.5mm headphones will not work without that small adapter.

Myth 4: “All iPhones Since the XS Max Have Come Without EarPods.”

Technically, the iPhone 11 series also did not include EarPods, but it was the iPhone 12 in 2020 where Apple officially announced the change as a permanent policy. So the XS Max and iPhone 11 were the transitional models, while the iPhone 12 and later made it official.

Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About No EarPods?

Honestly, no. While it might feel weird to unbox a fancy smartphone and not find headphones inside, this is just the new normal. Most people already have wireless earbuds or headphones by now, and the iPhone XS Max supports all of them beautifully. If you do not have any audio accessories yet, you have plenty of great options, from affordable Lightning EarPods to premium AirPods Pro.

The iPhone XS Max was a pioneer in many ways. It had the largest display ever on an iPhone at launch, Face ID that worked like magic, and a camera system that set new standards for smartphone photography. It was also the first iPhone to break with the tradition of including EarPods. That makes it a meaningful piece of tech history, even if the missing headphones caught some people off guard.

If you are buying an XS Max today, just plan to grab some headphones alongside it. Your ears (and your music library) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the iPhone XS Max does not include EarPods or any other headphones in the box. The package only contains the phone, a Lightning to USB cable, a 5W power adapter, and documentation. Apple removed EarPods starting with the XS Max in 2018.

What is included when I buy a new iPhone XS Max?

A new iPhone XS Max includes the phone, a Lightning to USB charging cable, a 5W USB power adapter, a quick start guide, Apple logo stickers, and a SIM eject tool. No headphones or adapter are included.

Can I use wired headphones with the iPhone XS Max?

Yes, you can use wired headphones with the iPhone XS Max, but you will need either Lightning EarPods that plug directly into the Lightning port or traditional 3.5mm headphones paired with Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm adapter, which is sold separately for around $9.

Why did Apple stop including EarPods with the iPhone XS Max?

Apple stopped including EarPods with the XS Max to reduce electronic waste, shrink packaging for lower shipping emissions, and push customers toward wireless audio products like AirPods. The XS Max was the first iPhone to ship without headphones.

Do AirPods work with the iPhone XS Max?

Yes, AirPods and AirPods Pro work perfectly with the iPhone XS Max. The original AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, and Beats earbuds all pair seamlessly thanks to Apple’s W1 or H1 chips, providing easy setup and reliable Bluetooth connectivity.

Is the iPhone XS Max still worth buying without EarPods?

Yes, the iPhone XS Max is still a solid phone in 2024, especially if you find a good deal on the used or refurbished market. It has a beautiful OLED display, excellent cameras, Face ID, and the A12 Bionic chip. Just budget for a separate pair of headphones or earbuds.