Does the Iphone X Max Come with Airpods

The iPhone X Max does NOT come with AirPods in the box. Apple’s flagship phone from 2018 only includes a Lightning cable, USB power adapter, and EarPods with a Lightning connector. To get AirPods, you must buy them separately, and many iPhone X Max users have done exactly that since the device supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio.

Picture this: you just got a shiny new iPhone X Max. You tear open the box, heart racing with excitement. Inside, you find the phone, some cables, and a little booklet. But wait, where are the AirPods? That tiny moment of confusion happens to thousands of people every single day.

Here’s the truth that might surprise you. The iPhone X Max has never come with AirPods. Not once. Not ever. Apple has sold AirPods separately since they launched in December 2016, and that hasn’t changed. The iPhone X Max, released in September 2018, follows the same rule.

But don’t worry. This guide will answer every question you have about iPhone X Max audio accessories. We’ll explain what actually ships with the phone, why Apple made this choice, and how to get AirPods if you want them. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and what to buy.

Key Takeaways

• No AirPods Included: The iPhone X Max box contains EarPods with Lightning connector, not AirPods. AirPods have always been a separate purchase.
• What’s Actually in the Box: iPhone X Max includes the phone, Lightning EarPods, a Lightning to USB cable, a 5W USB power adapter, and documentation.
• Full AirPods Compatibility: iPhone X Max works perfectly with all AirPods models, including AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro 2.
• Bluetooth 5.0 Support: The phone features Bluetooth 5.0, which provides stable connections and good range for wireless earbuds.
• Price Considerations: AirPods cost between $69 and $249 depending on the model, adding significant cost beyond the phone itself.
• Wired Alternative Exists: The included Lightning EarPods work right out of the box without any charging needed.
• No Headphone Jack: iPhone X Max removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, making wireless options or Lightning connector headphones necessary.

The Short Answer: No AirPods in the Box

Let’s get straight to the point. When you buy a brand new iPhone X Max, whether from Apple, a carrier, or a retail store, AirPods are not included. The box simply doesn’t contain them. Period.

What You Actually Get

Apple keeps the iPhone X Max package pretty simple. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The iPhone X Max itself with its beautiful 6.5-inch Super Retina display
• EarPods with Lightning Connector (these are wired earbuds, not AirPods)
• Lightning to USB Cable for charging and data transfer
• 5W USB Power Adapter for plugging into the wall
• Documentation including quick start guide and warranty info

That’s it. No AirPods. No wireless charging case. No fancy extras. Apple designed this package to give you the basics, then let you customize from there.

Why So Many People Think AirPods Are Included

Here’s something interesting. A lot of shoppers assume AirPods come free with iPhones. Where does this confusion come from? A few places, actually.

First, Apple’s marketing often shows iPhones paired with AirPods in advertisements. The images look like a perfect match, so people assume they ship together. Second, some carriers and retailers offer bundle deals that throw in AirPods as a promotion. Third, friends and family members sometimes gift AirPods alongside a new iPhone purchase.

Did You Know? According to a 2019 survey by Creative Strategies, about 35% of iPhone users believed AirPods came standard with their device. That number has probably grown since AirPods became more popular.

Understanding the iPhone X Max Audio Situation

To really grasp why AirPods aren’t included, you need to understand the iPhone X Max audio setup. This phone made some big changes that affect how you listen to music, take calls, and enjoy videos.

The Headphone Jack Is Gone

Here’s a change that upset some people. The iPhone X Max does not have a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple removed it starting with the iPhone 7, and the X Max continues that trend.

Think of it like this: imagine your favorite coffee shop suddenly stopped offering regular coffee and only served espresso. Some people would grumble, but eventually everyone adapts. That’s exactly what happened with the headphone jack.

Without a headphone jack, your audio options narrow to two choices:

1. Lightning connector headphones (like the EarPods included in the box)
2. Bluetooth wireless headphones (like AirPods)

Bluetooth 5.0: The Wireless Hero

Here’s the good news. The iPhone X Max comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which is excellent for wireless audio. Let me explain why this matters.

Bluetooth is the technology that lets your phone talk to wireless devices like AirPods. Older Bluetooth versions had problems. Connections would drop. Audio would lag. Range was limited. Bluetooth 5.0 fixed most of these issues.

With Bluetooth 5.0, you get:

• Four times the range of older Bluetooth versions
• Two times the speed for data transfer
• Better stability in crowded areas with lots of wireless signals
• Lower power consumption which means longer battery life for AirPods

It’s like upgrading from a dirt road to a smooth highway. Everything just works better.

The Lightning EarPods: Your Free Audio Solution

Let’s talk about what you do get. The iPhone X Max includes Lightning EarPods, which are Apple’s wired earbuds with a Lightning connector instead of the old 3.5mm plug.

What Makes Lightning EarPods Special

These aren’t just regular earbuds with a fancy connector. Lightning EarPods actually deliver digital audio directly to your ears. The Lightning connector carries a digital signal, and a tiny chip inside the EarPods converts that signal to analog sound right at your ears.

Think of it like this: regular headphones receive an analog signal that has already been processed. Lightning EarPods receive a digital signal and process it themselves. This can mean slightly better sound quality in some cases.

The Practical Benefits

Lightning EarPods offer some real advantages over AirPods for certain situations:

• No charging needed: They work as long as your phone has battery
• Never lose connection: Wired means no Bluetooth pairing issues
• Zero latency: Perfect for gaming or watching videos without audio delay
• Included free: Already paid for with your iPhone purchase

The downside? You’re tethered to your phone. And if you want to charge your phone while listening to music, you can’t do both with wired Lightning EarPods.

AirPods Compatibility: Everything Works

Here’s some great news for AirPods fans. The iPhone X Max works with every single AirPods model Apple has ever made. Let me break down your options.

AirPods 1st Generation

These were the original AirPods released in December 2016. They work perfectly with iPhone X Max. You get about 5 hours of listening time per charge, and the included charging case provides multiple additional charges.

However, Apple discontinued these in March 2019. You can still find them used or refurbished, but new units are rare.

AirPods 2nd Generation

Released in March 2019, these offer several improvements over the original:

• Always-on Siri (just say “Hey Siri”)
• Faster switching between devices
• Option for wireless charging case
• Slightly better battery life for talk time

Price: around $129 with standard case, $199 with wireless charging case.

AirPods Pro

These premium earbuds launched in October 2019 and offer:

• Active Noise Cancellation
• Transparency mode for hearing surroundings
• Customizable silicone tips for better fit
• IPX4 water resistance
• Spatial audio support

Price: around $249 (though prices have dropped since AirPods Pro 2 launched).

AirPods 3rd Generation

Released in October 2021, these bridge the gap between AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro:

• Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
• Adaptive EQ
• Force sensor controls
• IPX4 water resistance
• 6 hours of listening time

Price: around $169.

AirPods Pro 2

The latest and greatest, released in September 2022:

• Advanced Active Noise Cancellation
• Touch controls on the stem
• Personalized Spatial Audio
• Find My with Precision Finding
• 6 hours of listening time (ANC on)

Price: around $249.

Setting Up AirPods with iPhone X Max

Here’s the beautiful part. Pairing AirPods with your iPhone X Max takes about 3 seconds. Seriously.

Just open the AirPods case near your iPhone X Max. A popup appears on screen showing your AirPods. Tap “Connect.” Done. That’s it. Apple designed this magic pairing to work seamlessly with iPhones, and it shows.

Once paired, your AirPods automatically connect whenever you put them in your ears. No menus. No settings. Just instant audio.

Why Apple Doesn’t Include AirPods

You might wonder: with AirPods being so popular, why doesn’t Apple just throw them in? The answer involves strategy, pricing, and psychology.

The Price Factor

Let’s do some quick math. If Apple included AirPods with every iPhone X Max, the phone’s price would need to increase. AirPods cost Apple around $50-$70 to manufacture. Adding that to a $1,099 iPhone X Max would push the price over $1,150.

But here’s the clever part. By keeping AirPods separate, Apple offers choice. Some people want AirPods. Others prefer Beats headphones. Some don’t want wireless earbuds at all. Selling separately lets everyone customize.

The Upsell Strategy

Apple makes more money selling AirPods separately than it would by bundling them. Think about it:

• Bundled: One sale, lower profit margin
• Separate: Two sales, full profit margin on each

According to Apple’s financial reports, the Wearables, Home, and Accessories category (which includes AirPods) generated over $41 billion in revenue in 2022. That’s bigger than many Fortune 500 companies.

Environmental Considerations

Apple has also pointed to environmental reasons for not bundling. If someone doesn’t want AirPods, including them creates unnecessary electronic waste. By selling separately, only people who want AirPods get them.

Did You Know? Apple has been carbon conscious about its packaging. The iPhone X Max box is notably smaller than older iPhone boxes, partly because Apple removed accessories like the headphone jack adapter that came with iPhone 7.

Smart Alternatives to AirPods

Maybe AirPods aren’t your thing. Maybe you want different wireless earbuds or a totally different audio setup. Let’s explore your options.

Beats by Dre Options

Since Apple owns Beats, these headphones offer similar easy pairing with iPhone X Max:

• Beats Fit Pro: Sport-focused with ear tips and wing tips, around $200
• Beats Studio Buds: Compact earbuds with noise cancellation, around $150
• Beats Powerbeats Pro: Workout earbuds with ear hooks, around $200

All these work seamlessly with iPhone X Max thanks to Apple’s chips inside.

Third-Party Wireless Earbuds

The market is flooded with great wireless earbuds that work with iPhone X Max:

• Sony WF-1000XM4: Premium noise cancellation, around $230
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Excellent comfort and sound, around $280
• Jabra Elite 75t: Great value with solid features, around $150
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro: Budget-friendly with great sound, around $140

Since iPhone X Max uses standard Bluetooth, virtually any wireless earbuds work. You just lose the magic pairing feature that AirPods have.

Lightning Headphones for Audio Purists

If you want wired audio but better quality than EarPods, consider:

• Sennheiser IE 100: Audiophile quality with Lightning connector, around $100
• Shure AONIC 215: Professional sound with isolation, around $200
• 1More Triple Driver Lightning: Great value with multiple drivers, around $100

These offer sound quality that wireless earbuds simply can’t match at similar prices.

What to Do If You Want AirPods with Your iPhone X Max

So you’ve decided you want AirPods. Smart choice. Here’s how to make that happen without breaking the bank.

Buy from Apple

The most obvious option. Visit Apple’s website or an Apple Store. You’ll pay full retail price, but you get:

• Genuine Apple products with full warranty
• Option to engrave AirPods (except AirPods Pro)
• Easy returns within 14 days
• Accessory bundle deals sometimes available

Buy from Authorized Retailers

Stores like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon often have AirPods at slight discounts. You might save $10-$30 compared to Apple.

Tip: Check prices before buying. Prices fluctuate, especially around holidays and major shopping events.

Consider Refurbished Options

Apple sells certified refurbished AirPods at 15-20% off retail. These come with new batteries and full warranties. You can also find refurbished units on sites like Backlog or Swappa.

Trade-In Your Old Earbuds

Apple’s trade-in program accepts old headphones. While you won’t get rich, every dollar helps offset AirPods costs.

Bundle Deals and Carrier Promotions

Mobile carriers frequently offer free AirPods when you activate a new line or upgrade your plan. Retailers like Target sometimes bundle AirPods with iPhone purchases during sales. Keep an eye out during back-to-school season and Black Friday.

Did You Know? During the 2022 holiday season, major US carriers offered free AirPods (2nd gen) with iPhone purchases, essentially bundling what Apple wouldn’t.

The Bottom Line

Let’s wrap this all up with a clear summary. The iPhone X Max does not come with AirPods. It never has. It never will. This isn’t a trick or a scam. It’s just how Apple packages its products.

Inside your iPhone X Max box, you’ll find wired Lightning EarPods that work great right out of the box. They cost nothing extra, never need charging, and provide decent sound quality. For many people, these are perfectly adequate.

If you want AirPods, you’ll need to buy them separately. Prices range from $69 for basic AirPods (when on sale) to $249 for AirPods Pro 2. The good news is that any AirPods model works flawlessly with iPhone X Max thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 and Apple’s seamless pairing technology.

The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities. Want convenience and wireless freedom? AirPods are worth considering. Want simplicity and zero extra cost? The included Lightning EarPods have you covered. Want premium sound quality? Look into Lightning headphones or high-end wireless options from other brands.

Your iPhone X Max is a powerful device with excellent audio capabilities. Whether you use the included EarPods, invest in AirPods, or choose something else entirely, you’ll enjoy great sound. The choice is yours, and now you have all the information you need to make it wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the iPhone X Max does not come with AirPods. The box includes Lightning EarPods (wired earbuds), a Lightning to USB cable, a USB power adapter, and documentation. AirPods must be purchased separately.

What headphones come with the iPhone X Max?

The iPhone X Max comes with EarPods featuring a Lightning connector. These are Apple’s wired earbuds that plug directly into the phone’s Lightning port. They provide decent sound quality and work without charging.

Can I use AirPods with iPhone X Max?

Yes, the iPhone X Max works perfectly with all AirPods models, including AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Pro 2. The phone features Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless connections and supports Apple’s instant pairing feature.

Why doesn’t Apple include AirPods with iPhones?

Apple doesn’t include AirPods for several reasons: it keeps iPhone prices lower, allows customers to choose their preferred audio accessories, maximizes profit through separate sales, and reduces electronic waste by not bundling accessories some users won’t use.

How much do AirPods cost separately?

AirPods prices vary by model: AirPods 2 start around $129, AirPods 3 around $169, AirPods Pro (original) around $199, and AirPods Pro 2 around $249. Sales and promotions can lower these prices significantly.

Are there good alternatives to AirPods for iPhone X Max?

Yes, many excellent alternatives exist. Beats products (owned by Apple) pair seamlessly, including Beats Fit Pro and Beats Studio Buds. Third-party options like Sony WF-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and Jabra Elite models also work great via Bluetooth.