You’ve seen them everywhere. On the subway, in tech-bro "desk setup" videos, and draped around the necks of celebrities who probably didn't pay for them. The space grey AirPods Max are basically the unofficial uniform of the creative class at this point. But here’s the thing: everyone talks about the "aesthetic" and nobody talks about how these things actually age. Or the fact that Apple quietly changed them without really changing them.
It's been years since the original launch. If you're looking at a pair today, you’re likely staring at two different versions that look identical but act differently.
The color that isn't quite black
Let’s get the color thing out of the way first. Apple’s "Space Grey" is the chameleon of the tech world. In some lights, it looks like a deep, moody charcoal. In direct sunlight? It’s almost a metallic slate. Honestly, it’s the only color in the lineup that doesn't feel like a fashion statement that will look "dated" in twenty minutes.
But there’s a new kid on the block: Midnight.
When Apple refreshed the line in late 2024 to add USB-C, they killed off the official Space Grey for a new shade called Midnight. If you’re buying brand new from Apple today, you’re getting Midnight. It’s darker, sure, but it has this distinct navy-blue undertone. If you want that true, neutral dark grey, you have to hunt for the "legacy" Space Grey model.
Lightning vs. USB-C: The hidden divide
Most people assume the USB-C version is the "AirPods Max 2." It's not.
Apple basically did a port swap and called it a day. Both versions still run on the H1 chip. That’s the same silicon from 2020. While the newer AirPods Pro and even the cheap AirPods 4 have the H2 chip—which handles noise cancellation way better—the $549 Max is stuck in the past.
However, there is a weird perk for the USB-C crowd. With the iOS 18.4 update that rolled out recently, the USB-C version finally supports true 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio over a wired connection. You need a specific USB-C to USB-C cable for it, though. The older Space Grey Lightning version? It can’t do that. It converts the digital signal to analog and back to digital, which audiophiles like to complain about at parties.
Why the Space Grey finish is a double-edged sword
I’ve used the Space Grey pair for over two years. Here is the reality of the aluminum build:
- Scratches are real: Unlike the silver version, where a scratch just shows more silver, a deep gouge on the Space Grey earcups reveals the bright raw aluminum underneath. It sticks out like a sore thumb.
- The Mesh Grime: The "canopy" (that mesh headband thing) is a magnet for hair product and skin oils. On the lighter colors, it turns yellow. On Space Grey, it just gets this weird, shiny "greasy" look over time.
- Condensation: This is the big one. If you wear these for a long time or in a cool room, moisture builds up inside the earcups. Because the Space Grey is dark, you won’t notice the droplets until you pull the magnetic cushions off.
Sound quality in 2026
Does it still hold up? Yeah, mostly. The soundstage is wide, and the Transparency Mode is still the gold standard. Nobody has beaten Apple at making you feel like you aren't wearing headphones at all.
But the competition is getting mean. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are lighter. Much lighter. The space grey AirPods Max weigh about 385 grams. That is a lot of metal sitting on your skull. After three hours, you feel it in your neck.
How to keep them alive
If you’re dropping five hundred bucks on these, don’t treat them like $20 earbuds.
- Get a real case: The "bra" case Apple gives you is useless. It doesn't protect the mesh, and that’s the part that breaks first. Buy a hard shell case that actually covers the whole thing.
- Clean the mesh: Use a tiny bit of soapy water and a toothbrush. Don't soak the headband—there are pins in there that connect the two earcups. If you get water in the joints, they’re toasted.
- Silicon covers: Some people hate the look, but clear silicon covers for the earcups will save your Space Grey finish from the inevitable "clinking" sound when the two metal cups hit each other.
Is it still worth the buy?
If you find a refurbished pair of the original Space Grey for under $350, it’s a steal. The build quality feels like a luxury watch compared to the plastic Sony or Bose options. But if you’re looking at paying full retail? Just know you’re buying 2020 technology in a 2026 world.
The Space Grey AirPods Max are still the best-looking headphones on the market, but the "Pro" features are starting to feel a little less pro as the years crawl by.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your current charger situation. If you're all-in on USB-C, skip the used market and get the Midnight version. If you still have Lightning cables everywhere, hunt for a discounted original Space Grey model—you’ll save roughly $150 for essentially the same audio experience. If you do buy them, immediately invest in a third-party hard case to protect the mesh headband from losing its tension, as Apple does not currently offer a way to replace just the headband.