AirPods Max 3 Expected in 2027 or 2028: What Buyers Should Know

Apple is preparing a third-generation version of its premium over-ear headphones, and the upcoming model could finally address some of the long-standing complaints that have haunted the product line since its 2020 debut. Here is what we know so far and what it means for shoppers considering a major headphone investment.

When Will the AirPods Max 3 Launch

According to analyst reports, Apple is planning mass production to begin in 2027, which suggests a realistic launch window of late 2027 or early 2028. However, this timeline remains unofficial and subject to change. Apple’s track record with the AirPods Max line shows how gradually the company updates this product. The original AirPods Max launched in December 2020 at $549. The next significant update did not arrive until April 2026 with the AirPods Max 2, which added a new processor but kept the same design, weight, and price. A USB-C refresh occurred in September 2024, but that represented a minimal change focused only on the charging port. The company’s slow cadence means consumers should not expect news any time soon.

What Design Changes Are Coming

Apple appears to be prioritizing a weight reduction for the next generation. The current AirPods Max 2 tips the scales at 386 grams, which is noticeably heavier than many competitors. By comparison, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 weighs about 254 grams and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen comes in around 264 grams. That 120-plus gram difference is something shoppers definitely notice during extended wear sessions.

Beyond the weight target, Apple has not revealed specific design details. The current model features aluminum earcups, a stainless steel frame, rotating earcups, and a mesh canopy. Without concrete leaks or product renders, it is reasonable to expect the next version will retain that familiar overall silhouette while introducing material changes aimed at shedding pounds. One area where the AirPods Max still lags behind competitors is portability. Unlike the Sony and Bose models, which fold into a more compact travel shape, Apple’s headphones only rotate the earcups flat. Adding inward-folding hinges could significantly improve the travel experience for buyers who move frequently.

Features That Could Improve Competitiveness

Currently, the AirPods Max 2 deliver only 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, unchanged from the original model. Sony and Bose both offer up to 30 hours of battery life, making this a clear competitive disadvantage. A meaningful battery increase would be a welcome upgrade for frequent travelers and commuters.

Wireless audio quality is another area ripe for improvement. While the AirPods Max 2 support lossless audio over a wired USB-C connection at 24-bit, 48 kHz, they do not offer true lossless performance over Bluetooth. Apple’s own documentation confirms that standard Bluetooth connections cannot deliver lossless audio. Competitors like Sony support LDAC and Bose support aptX Adaptive, giving them more flexible codec options. Apple could leverage its proprietary wireless technology, which already delivers lossless audio to the Vision Pro with ultra-low latency, to create a similar experience for future AirPods Max models.

An upgraded processor is also plausible, though not yet confirmed. Apple’s H3 chip is in development and could improve audio quality and reduce latency if the timing aligns with a 2027 or 2028 launch. The company waited more than three years before bringing the H2 chip to the AirPods Max 2, so the inclusion of H3 remains speculative but reasonable.

Shoppers considering alternative premium headphone options from Samsung and other manufacturers should also note that competitors are actively innovating. The pressure from rivals combined with reports showing 95 percent of consumers demand replaceable batteries in their audio gear suggests that the next generation of Apple headphones may need to address customer expectations more directly than it has in recent updates.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay

Apple has maintained a $549 price point for the AirPods Max across all updates since the 2020 launch. There is no reason to expect the AirPods Max 3 will cost significantly more, assuming the company keeps the same flagship positioning. However, Sony and Bose frequently discount their flagships below suggested retail price. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 drops to around $400 during sales, and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen hits $399 during promotions. If Apple sticks with a $549 starting price while delivering meaningful upgrades in weight, battery life, and wireless audio capabilities, the company would address several of the advantages that budget-conscious shoppers currently find in lower-priced competitors.

The Bottom Line for Shoppers

The AirPods Max 3 is still likely two to three years away, making it premature to make any purchasing decisions based on rumors. Current owners of the AirPods Max 2 have little reason to upgrade soon. However, shoppers on the fence about premium over-ear headphones may want to wait and see what Apple delivers, especially if a lighter design and improved battery life are genuine priorities for your use case.