AirPods Max 3 Rumor Suggests Next Update Could Be a While Away

Apple is reportedly working on a lighter version of AirPods Max that won't enter mass production until 2027, according to respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a brief post on X (Twitter), Kuo shared the prediction without providing additional details about how much weight Apple plans to shave off its premium over-ear headphones.

If you've worn the current AirPods Max for extended listening sessions, this could be welcome news. The current model weighs a substantial 13.6 ounces (386.2 grams), with its stainless steel and aluminum construction sometimes causing discomfort during longer wear periods.

Apple refreshed the AirPods Max last September with minor updates, swapping Lightning for USB-C and introducing new color options. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in November that Apple has "no concrete plans" to meaningfully update the headphones again in the near future.

The 2027 timeline for a lighter version suggests Apple isn't in any rush to revolutionize its premium headphone offering, despite its rather hefty $549 price tag sitting well above competitors like Sony's brand new WH-1000XM6 ($450) and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 ($379).

In the same post, Kuo also mentioned that regular AirPods might not see significant updates until 2026, when he expects IR camera-equipped models to enter production.

For now, if you're debating whether to buy AirPods Max, you might have a very long wait for the next major revision.