Apple's new AirPods Max headphones cost $549 — more than the PlayStation 5

AirPods Max
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple has unveiled new headphones that, let's just say, don't exactly come cheap.

On Tuesday, Apple announced its new over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, which will be available next week and cost a whopping $549.

Apple said the noise-canceling AirPods Max will have up to 20 hours of battery life and "deliver the ultimate personal listening experience." But by retailing for $549, CNN noted the AirPods Max will actually end up being more expensive than the iPhone SE, which starts at $399. Beyond other Apple products, PCMag pointed out the $549 price tag is more than that of the PlayStation 5, as the more expensive version of that console is $499. The headphones are also pricier than the new Xbox Series X console, which is $499.

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Apple already sells the AirPods, which start at $159, and the AirPods Pro, which cost $249. But the AirPods Max are Apple's first over-ear headphones, TechRadar notes. Apple in the last fiscal year "generated $31 billion sales from accessories" like the Airpods, Bloomberg reports.

The new AirPods Max will be start shipping on Dec. 15, at which point perhaps consumers will actually be able to easily get them, very much unlike the PlayStation 5.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.