Kuo: Lighter Version of AirPods Max to Enter Mass Production in 2027

Apple is working on a lighter version of AirPods Max that will enter mass production in 2027, according to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

airpods max dark blue
Kuo shared the prediction on X (Twitter). He provided no additional details on the weight reduction that Apple plans to make to its over-ear noise-canceling headphones.

Apple updated the AirPods Max in September, receiving a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning, and new color options. Bloomberg reported in November that Apple currently has "no concrete plans" to update the headphones again "in a meaningful way."

AirPods Max weigh 13.6 ounces (386.2 grams). Apple says the headband is designed to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure, but some users find that the stainless steel and aluminum design puts weight on the ears that can become uncomfortable after longer periods of wear.

In the same post, Kuo said that AirPods may not see significant updates until 2026, when he expects IR camera-equipped AirPods to enter mass production.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

Anonymous Freak Avatar
16 weeks ago
Is it just me, or is "slight improvement to an accessory product multiple years in the future" a completely pointless rumor?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FattiesGoneWild Avatar
16 weeks ago
2027 ??
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lowkey Avatar
16 weeks ago
“the headband is designed to distribute weight and reduce on-head pressure” until the non-replaceable mesh stretches after a year, when it’s then designed to distribute the weight via two hard plastic bands direct to your skull. :p
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0049190 Avatar
16 weeks ago
I’m not waiting for new AirPods Max. There are plenty of much better headphones available right now.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MayaUser Avatar
16 weeks ago
they can be 2grams lighter...and Kuo is right...my goodness what an analyst
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Godspeed8230 Avatar
16 weeks ago
Lighter and cheaper? ;)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)