Apple AirPods Max launched on December 8, 2020, with deliveries starting December 15, 2020.
The question sounds simple, yet two dates matter. Apple announced the over-ear model on December 8, 2020, then units started to land on doorsteps a week later. That gap creates confusion when someone asks when the product “came out.” Below, you’ll see both dates side by side, why they differ, and how the rollout fits into the AirPods family.
When Apple’s Over-Ear AirPods First Shipped: The Dates
Launch day can mean several things: announcement, preorder, or first deliveries. For this model, Apple took the wraps off on a Tuesday and set shipments for the following Tuesday. Retail stores carried limited stock, while online orders queued up fast. If you want the straight answer for a quick reference, scan the timeline below.
| Milestone | Date | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Announcement | Dec 8, 2020 | Apple revealed the headset and opened orders the same day. |
| First Shipments | Dec 15, 2020 | Deliveries began in the U.S. and other launch markets. |
| Launch Price | $549 (U.S.) | Set at the time of announcement; stayed the same for a long run. |
| Original Colors | 2020 | Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, and Pink. |
| USB-C Refresh | Sep 9, 2024 | Charging port switched to USB-C with five new finishes. |
Apple’s newsroom post captured both the reveal date and the plan for deliveries, which settled the release window for shoppers who needed a holiday gift that year. The shift to USB-C arrived later with a color swap, while the launch price stayed steady. Those later updates don’t change the original release date, but they do help you tell versions apart.
Launch Price, Colors, And What Buyers Got
At the start, the price sat at $549 in the U.S., placing the headset at the top end of the consumer market. Buyers received the headphones, a Smart Case, and a USB cable for charging. Battery life was rated at up to twenty hours with noise control or Spatial Audio active, which covered flights and commutes with room to spare.
Color options at first were Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, and Pink. In 2024, Apple shifted the palette to Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange and changed the charging port to USB-C. If you spot the older Lightning port, it’s the earlier run. If you see USB-C and the newer color set, you’re looking at the refreshed batch.
The metal build, fabric canopy, and memory-foam pads didn’t change between those runs. Inside, Apple used its own chips and a stack of sensors to handle noise control, head tracking, and Instant Pairing. The Digital Crown set volume and track control, while a second button toggled noise modes. That mix turned into the product’s calling card.
What Changed Since Launch
Time brought a port change and a fresh coat of paint in 2024. Then a firmware push in 2025 added lossless playback over USB-C and cut audio delay for music tools, games, and video. That update arrived through the standard over-the-air process, tied to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS releases. Owners didn’t need new hardware to get the audio perks if they had the USB-C unit.
Plenty of buyers still use the older Lightning version every day. It pairs the same way and handles phone calls, movies, and playlists without fuss. If low delay over a wire or lossless delivery from Apple Music matters to you, the USB-C batch is the one that brings those extras through a cable.
How The First Release Fits In The AirPods Line
Before this model, AirPods meant earbuds. The over-ear entry widened the family with a headband, larger drivers, and a different vibe. It still syncs across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV the way AirPods do, and it still flips between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency with a click. The idea was simple: take the ease of earbuds and scale it up.
Because the headset is over-ear, the clamping force and pad shape matter more than they do on buds. Apple went with breathable mesh and deep cushions to spread weight. That makes fit more varied from person to person. If you plan to wear it for hours on end, try a quick fit test in a store or buy from a shop with easy returns.
Announcement Day Vs. Delivery Day
People argue about which date counts as the “real” release. Tech writers often cite the reveal day since that’s when orders open and specs go public. Shoppers tend to anchor to the day boxes arrive. Both views make sense. When you’re writing a product page or guide, list both dates and state what each one means.
For this model, the reveal landed on December 8, 2020. The first units reached customers on December 15, 2020. That week in between saw early stock sell out in many regions, which pushed later orders into longer windows. If you’re comparing articles, check whether the writer cites the reveal or the first delivery.
Quick Sourcing For The Dates
Apple’s newsroom page from December 2020 states the reveal and shipment plan in one place. A later newsroom post in September 2024 records the switch to USB-C and the new paint set.
Tips If You’re Buying One Now
Fresh stock uses USB-C, so your iPhone, iPad, and Mac cables match. If you see a Lightning port with the older color set, it’s the earlier batch. That isn’t a deal breaker for many people. It still pairs in a snap, cancels noise, and sounds great. If you care about wired lossless and lower delay, go for the USB-C run.
Watch prices during large sale events. Discounts pop up at major retailers and can be steep. If you want a new set and care about savings, set price alerts and keep notes on colors you like. One more tip: if a box looks dusty or a seal seems off, ask the store to check the serial number for warranty status.
Year-By-Year Snapshot
The short table below lines up the headline changes across the product’s life so far. It helps you spot which unit you have and what features to expect out of the box.
| Year | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Launch | Revealed Dec 8; deliveries from Dec 15 at $549 (U.S.). |
| 2021–2023 | Steady Run | Same hardware and colors; routine firmware updates. |
| 2024 | USB-C & Colors | Port switched to USB-C; Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange. |
| 2025 | Lossless & Low-Latency | USB-C units gained lossless over cable and lower delay via firmware. |
Serial numbers tell you production week. You can check the code in Settings on iPhone under Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to the headset, then read entry. A recent code paired with the USB-C port points to the refreshed batch, while an older code and Lightning port mark the first run.
Specs That Shaped The Launch Story
Some specs help explain the launch price and early buzz. The headset packs large dynamic drivers, a metal frame, and tight integration with iPhone and Mac. Noise control uses multiple mics and real-time sound processing. Spatial Audio tracks head movement to keep sound anchored to the screen during movies and shows.
None of that matters if comfort falls short. Weight sits near 385 grams, which is heavier than many plastic rivals. The mesh canopy spreads that weight well for many heads. Still, if your neck is sensitive, try before you buy. Pads are replaceable, which helps with wear, hygiene, or color swaps down the line.
Why Two Dates Live In Reviews
Publications care about when the news broke; buyers care about when a courier rings the bell. That’s why spec sheets and timelines keep both. If you only list the shipment day, readers miss the context around preorders and early stock. If you only list the reveal day, readers may think units were available that same day everywhere, which isn’t always true.
Where The Dates Come From
You don’t need a rumor blog for this part. Apple’s own newsroom archives state the reveal date and the start of deliveries. The USB-C switch and color update also sit in Apple’s archives. Those pages are short, clear, and carry the exact wording Apple used at the time.
Link those pages when you’re writing about this model. That helps readers double-check your timeline. It also keeps your post tidy, since one link can confirm both the launch price and the shipping plan. See the links placed earlier in this article if you want the official wording.
Quick Answers To Common Questions
You might run into quick questions that come up over and over. The list below answers them in one sweep without turning this page into a FAQ section.
- Was there a preorder? Orders opened on reveal day, with shipping set for the next week.
- Did the first batch sell out? Early stock moved fast and lead times slid out in some regions.
- Is the older port version still worth it? Yes, if you don’t need wired lossless or lower delay over a cable.
- Which colors were first? Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Green, and Pink.
- Which colors came later? Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange.
Bottom Line On Dates And Versions
If you’re writing specs, list December 8, 2020 for the reveal and December 15, 2020 for the first deliveries. If you’re shopping, aim for the USB-C run unless a great deal pops up on the earlier unit. Either way, you’ll get strong noise control, clear calls, and instant pairing across Apple gear. Pick a color you love, since pads last and the headband holds up well with regular use over time.