Apple’s AirPods Max Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are up to $90 Off — With One Catch

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Apple‘s updated AirPods Max featured some minor updates, including refreshed colorways and the switch from lightning to USB-C. Now the AirPods Max headphones are on sale for as much as $90 off ahead of Black Friday, but there is a catch — the best value is on the older, lightning cable model. You can also save $62 on the USB-C version in the peachy colorway dubbed orange.

Apple made the switch to USB-C on the iPhone with last year’s iPhone 15 models, continuing the long, slow phase-out of the lightning cable that began when the EU mandated USB-C as a standard for all phones, tablets, and cameras in 2022. While the US market isn’t covered by EU regulations, Apple opted to adopt the USB-C standard across the board.

In short, if you still have an iPhone with a lightning cable, or you don’t mind having a separate cable for your headphones, then it may be worth the extra $26 discount on Apple’s AirPod Max. If you prefer to make the switch to USB-C and you like the orange colorway, then the smaller discount may be preferable.

The AirPods Max wireless headphones feature active noise cancellation and surround sound-like spatial audio, packaged in a sleek over-ear design that’s comfortable to wear. Powerful ANC lets you tune out busy traffic during commutes or the load hum of the engine on a flight, while Transparency mode keeps you aware when you need to be. The headphones have up to 20 hours of battery life when fully charged.

Like many Amazon deals, pricing and stock can fluctuate unexpectedly, so it’s a good idea to act fast.