If you wanted AirPods Max in blue, pink or green, it looks like you’ll be waiting till well into 2021. Order one of the three hottest colors of the pricey new over-the-ear headphones now, and they won’t be delivered for 12 to 14 weeks, according to Apple’s online store.
Those shipping times slipped quickly after Apple launched the high-end headphones via press release early Tuesday morning. By late morning West Coast time, space gray AirPods Max delivery times had slipped as well — to December 31. Only the silver option still showed as being available for delivery prior to Christmas.
Act fast, and you can get them between December 15 and 17. But adding custom engraving pushes the delivery date to December 29 for that model. (Update 2: By midafternoon West Coast time on Tuesday, even the silver AirPods Max delivery window had slipped to December 31 – January 8.)
Apple unveiled the long-rumored Bluetooth headphones early Tuesday morning via press release. While AirPods Max retail for a wallet-busting $549, delivery dates quickly slipped. The press release went out around 5:30 a.m. PST Tuesday, and if you didn’t pull the trigger quickly, your options soon became limited. Late risers in Cupertino’s time zone definitely got the short end of the stick on this one.
AirPods Max features and design
Like Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds, the high-end headphones offer advanced audio features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio. The AirPods Max design looks fantastic, with a breathable knit mesh top that Apple says will evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure on the wearer’s head. Apple claims they will be comfortable during extended listening sessions. (AirPods Max last up to 20 hours when fully charged.)
A stainless steel headband frame with telescopic arms adds to the comfort factor. And an Apple Watch-inspired Digital Crown lets wearers adjust volume, skip tracks and more.
AirPods Max are available to preorder now from Apple’s online store.
Editor’s note: Cult of Mac updated this post throughout the day as AirPods Max delivery times slipped.

Photo: Apple