You can still buy AirPods Max with Lightning, and that’s good for three reasons

Apple discontinued AirPods Max with Lightning when AirPods Max with USB-C debuted last fall. However, you can still easily find the original version new in stores if you shop the right places. There are three reasons why this made be the right move for you.

Apple doesn’t keep both versions available for purchase, but Amazon, Best Buy, and Target do. Here are some things to know when shopping for AirPods Max in 2025:

• Both Lightning and USB-C AirPods Max have the same sound performance, battery life, and features.
• Apple only sells the USB-C model that has the same charging port as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16.
• Other retailers sell both, including the Lightning version that uses the same charging port as the iPhone 14 and earlier.

If you prefer to have the same charging cable for your iPhone and AirPods and don’t plan on upgrading from an iPhone 14 or earlier anytime soon, you might find AirPods Max with Lightning more appealing for now. However, USB-C is awesome and most electronics use the charging port now including new iPhones and iPads.

There are other reasons customers might prefer AirPods Max with Lightning too:

• Originally priced at $549, these go for as low as $399 brand new today.
• AirPods Max with Lightning also support Lightning to 3.5mm cables for wired use with products that use headphone jacks like microphones and MacBooks.
• AirPods Max with Lightning come in space gray, silver, pink, green, and sky blue.

Meanwhile, AirPods Max with USB-C lack the ability to work over a wired connection (and neither work without being charged), but that doesn’t mean the newer model doesn’t already enjoy discounts:

• AirPods Max with USB-C currently go for $449 (regular $549) so the premium over Lightning is just $50.
• AirPods Max with USB-C also introduces midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and a new shade of blue.

So while Apple only sells the latest and greatest AirPods Max, some may find the Lightning version to be superior to the USB-C version or just prefer their color. For now, both versions are generally available while Lightning supplies last.

Go for USB-C if you want the most common charging port, don’t mind paying a little more, and like one of the new colors. Go for Lightning if you want to save some cash, use Lightning to 3.5mm wired, or have the same charging port as your iPhone 14 or earlier.

The only downside? Accidentally getting stuck with Lightning and when you thought you were buying USB-C. Just be careful when shopping, especially since color variations make a difference.

Where to buy AirPods Max

As of January 17, 2025, the best prices for AirPods Max on Amazon include USB-C midnight or starlight for $449, and silver or green for $399. Meanwhile, Best Buy has each USB-C color for $449, and each Lightning color for $399. Target? Full price on both models, just like USB-C at Apple.

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