Apple AirPods Max: Deliveries for pricey new headphones will not arrive for months, website indicates

(Apple)

Apple's new AirPods Max headphones will not arrive for months if they are ordered now, according to the company's website.

In the UK, deliveries are not expected until the middle of March, and the estimated arrival date is being pushed back all the time. The situation is similar in the other countries the headphones have gone on sale.

Apple introduced the new AirPods Max on Tuesday, marking the first time it had made over-ear headphones. They include all of the technology from the in-ear AirPods, but in a dramatic new design – though it was the price that drew much of the attention when they were unveiled.

The new headphones cost £549 in the UK or the same in dollars in the US. That is considerably more expensive than both the in-ear version of the AirPods or the top-of-the-line Beats headphones that are also made by Apple.

But despite that surprisingly high price – and the fact that nobody outside of Apple has described the experience of listening to them – the headphones are already significantly backordered.

The AirPods Max opened for orders as soon as they were announced and will go on sale on 14 December.

The UK Apple Store’s website currently shows a delivery estimate of “12 March - 26 March”, though the company has delivered products early in the past.

At least some of the delay is probably a result of the fact the headphones are substantially different from other Apple products, and seemingly require a host of different processes to make them. While they borrow from other Apple hardware – including the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch, as well as the chips from the AirPods – the company highlighted a range of new features such as the telescoping arms that are not seen on other products.

Apple’s over-ear headphones have long been rumoured, usually under the name “AirPods Studio”. The company had been expected to unveil them earlier in the year but was reported to have run into design and manufacturing issues, which may also still be holding back supply.