Overview
The Apple AirPods Max are wireless over-ear headphones designed for high-fidelity audio. They combine an Apple‑designed dynamic driver with the H1 chip and computational audio to deliver active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. The over‑ear design uses a knit‑mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for a comfortable fit that seals in sound.
The headphones are available in several colors: Silver, Blue, Midnight, Orange, Pink, Purple, and Starlight.
What's in the Box
- AirPods Max
- Smart Case
- Lightning to USB‑C Cable
- Documentation
Features
Audio Technology
- Custom high‑excursion Apple driver – Delivers high‑fidelity audio with deep bass and clear highs.
- Custom high dynamic range amplifier – Provides clean, distortion‑free sound at any volume.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Blocks external noise so you can focus on your audio.
- Transparency mode – Lets you hear and interact with the world around you without removing the headphones.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking – Creates an immersive, theater‑like experience that adapts to your head movements.
- Adaptive EQ – Automatically tunes the sound to the fit and seal of the ear cushions.
- Dolby Atmos support – Enjoy select songs, shows, and movies with multidimensional sound.
Controls and Sensors
- Digital Crown – Use to play/pause music, answer/end/mute calls, control volume, and skip tracks.
- Dual beamforming microphones – For clear voice calls and Siri commands.
- Inward‑facing microphone – Monitors audio for Adaptive EQ and noise cancellation.
- Skin‑detect sensor – Automatically pauses audio when headphones are removed.
- Motion‑detecting accelerometer – Supports head tracking for spatial audio.
- Speech‑detecting accelerometer – Improves voice pickup during calls.
Battery and Charging
- Up to 20 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time with ANC and spatial audio enabled.
- Smart Case – Stores the headphones in an ultra‑low‑power state to preserve battery.
- Lightning to USB‑C cable – For charging (cable included).
Connectivity and Compatibility
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology.
- Automatic Switching – Seamlessly move audio between iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- One‑tap pairing – Simply hold near your device and tap Connect.
- Works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and other Bluetooth‑enabled devices.
Indicators and Controls
Digital Crown
The Digital Crown is located on the right ear cup. It provides precise control:
- Press once – Play/pause audio or answer/end a call.
- Press twice – Skip forward.
- Press three times – Skip backward.
- Press and hold – Activate Siri or mute/unmute yourself on a call.
- Rotate – Adjust volume up or down.
Noise Control Button
Located on the right ear cup, above the Digital Crown:
- Press once – Switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode.
- Press and hold – Cycle through available noise‑control modes (ANC, Transparency, Off).
LED Status Light
The status light is located on the right ear cup, near the bottom. It indicates:
- Green – Battery is charged or charging is complete.
- Amber – Battery is low or charging is in progress.
- Flashing white – Headphones are in pairing mode.
- Flashing amber – Pairing error or firmware update in progress.
Use Guide
Pairing with an iPhone or iPad
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone or iPad.
- Hold the AirPods Max near your device (within a few inches).
- Tap Connect when the setup animation appears on the screen.
- Follow any on‑screen instructions (e.g., enable Siri, set up spatial audio).
Pairing with a Mac
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences) on your Mac.
- Click Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is on.
- Hold the AirPods Max near your Mac.
- Click Connect next to “AirPods Max” in the Bluetooth device list.
Pairing with Non‑Apple Devices
- Put the AirPods Max in pairing mode: press and hold the noise control button until the status light flashes white.
- On your device, go to Bluetooth settings and select “AirPods Max” from the list.
Using Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
- Press the noise control button on the right ear cup to switch between ANC and Transparency mode.
- You can also switch modes from the Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac (if connected).
Using Personalized Spatial Audio
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to “AirPods Max.”
- Tap Personalized Spatial Audio and follow the on‑screen instructions to scan your ears with the front camera.
- Once set up, spatial audio will automatically engage with supported content (Dolby Atmos, select movies, shows, and music).
Charging
- Connect the included Lightning to USB‑C cable to the Lightning port on the bottom of the right ear cup.
- Plug the other end into a USB‑C power adapter (not included) or a computer USB port.
- The status light will glow amber while charging and turn green when fully charged.
Storing in the Smart Case
- Place the AirPods Max into the Smart Case with the ear cups facing inward and the headband folded.
- The Smart Case puts the headphones into an ultra‑low‑power state to preserve battery life.
Technical Details
| Product Dimensions | 9.43 x 9.57 x 3.15 inches |
| Item Weight | 13.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| ASIN | B08PZD76NP |
| Item Model Number | MGYJ3AM/A |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer battery (included) |
| Date First Available | December 8, 2020 |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours (ANC and spatial audio enabled) |
Additional Information
- Hearing Health features (available on compatible devices): Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection, and Conversation Boost.
- Live Translation – Supported for communicating across languages (requires compatible iPhone).
- Accessibility – Headphone Accommodations, Live Listen, and Headphone Levels are available.
- Water and sweat resistance – Not rated; avoid exposure to liquids.
Note: This manual covers the original AirPods Max (model MGYJ3AM/A). Some features may require the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.