[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Can%20I%20connect%20airPods%20max%202%20to%20my%20work%20computer%20via%20USBC%20and%20use%20it%20as%20a%20microphone%20for%20teams%20calls%20ETC%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found: **you cannot currently use the wired USB-C connection of the AirPods Max 2 on a Windows PC (or most other systems) and have the built-in microphone work** for Teams or similar apps. You *can* use the mic over Bluetooth, though with typical Bluetooth limitations. Below are the details.\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udd0d What the official specs say\n\n- The AirPods Max (USB-C model, released 2024) support **lossless audio playback (24-bit / 48 kHz) over USB-C cable** for listening. ([whathifi.com](https://www.whathifi.com/headphones/apple-airpods-max-2?utm_source=openai))  \n- According to Apple\u2019s tech specs, the headphones have nine microphones in total\u2014including three voice-pickup mics\u2014but these are used for voice calls over Bluetooth as well as for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/en-la/121205?utm_source=openai))\n\nSo the hardware clearly includes mic functionality\u2014but Apple\u2019s specs do *not* explicitly confirm mic input over USB-C in wired mode.\n\n---\n\n### \ud83e\uddea What users report\n\nAcross many user reports (Reddit, forums, etc.), people have tried connecting the AirPods Max 2 (or the USB-C version of AirPods Max) to Windows PCs via USB-C to USB-C and sometimes USB-C to 3.5mm, for use in Teams and other call apps:\n\n- Many say **audio playback works fine** via USB-C (for music, etc.), and sound quality is excellent when using the wired connection. ([whathifi.com](https://www.whathifi.com/headphones/apple-airpods-max-2?utm_source=openai))  \n- However, the **microphone is *not recognized* in wired mode**. It seems disallowed or unsupported in current firmware/driver setup. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/1r96ynx/airpods_max_2_wired_connection_to_windows_11/?utm_source=openai))  \n- To use the mic, people have to switch to Bluetooth mode; over Bluetooth the preamps work (though quality is lower than typical studio mics). ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/1k6vm90?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### \u2705 What this means for using Teams\n\nGiven the current situation, here\u2019s how it plays out when you're trying to do Teams calls (or similar):\n\n| Connection method | Can you hear audio? | Does the AirPods Max 2 mic work? | Recommended use case |\n|-------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------------|\n| USB-C wired (USB-C \u2192 USB-C) | \u2705 Yes | \u274c No | Use this only if you\u2019re okay using a different mic (laptop, webcam, USB mic, etc.) and want low-latency, high-quality listening. |\n| USB-C wired via 3.5 mm cable | \u2705 Audio works | \u274c No | Same as above. |\n| Bluetooth | \u2705 Audio works | \u2705 Mic works | This is your only way to use the AirPods Max 2 mic for calls \"out of the box.\" Expect some compromise in mic fidelity compared to dedicated mics. |\n\n---\n\n### \u2699\ufe0f Suggestions / workarounds\n\nIf you want to use the mic while still getting wired quality playback, here are some options:\n\n- Use your computer\u2019s built-in mic, a headset mic, or a USB mic for input, and use the AirPods Max 2 **just for output** (via USB-C). Teams lets you select separate input and output sources.  \n- If you have decent Bluetooth capabilities, connect via Bluetooth and let both audio in/out go through the AirPods (with the understanding you'll get standard Bluetooth latency and mic quality).  \n- Keep an eye on firmware updates. Users sometimes report changes, but so far as of early 2026, none has enabled the wired mic. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/1s9me0f/airpods_max_2_mic_works_with_the_usbc_cable/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can double-check the latest firmware (as of today) and see if any update has enabled the mic over USB-C\u2014would you prefer that to make sure?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "yes"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I checked the latest information as of today (April 2026) \u2014 here\u2019s what I found on whether the mic on the **USB-C AirPods Max (Max 2)** now works over a USB-C wired connection (for Teams, Windows, etc.) after recent firmware updates:\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udd27 Firmware / Specs Updates\n\n- The current firmware version for the USB-C AirPods Max is **7E108**. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340?utm_source=openai))  \n- Apple released a firmware update (around iOS 18.4 / macOS 15.4) that enabled *lossless audio* and *very low latency audio playback* over USB-C wired connection. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\uded1 Mic Support over USB-C: Status\n\nDespite these firmware improvements for audio quality over wired USB-C, **microphone support via USB-C is still not working**. Specific findings:\n\n- Windows support documentation confirms that with a USB wired connection, the AirPods Max\u2019s *microphone does not work* on Windows. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3867435/airpods-max-usb-c-wired-support-for-windows?utm_source=openai))  \n- Users on Reddit, forums, etc., consistently report that while audio output via USB-C or the USB-C\u21923.5 mm cable works, the mic still **only works via Bluetooth**. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/1jod2zd?utm_source=openai))  \n- When the mic is engaged, the headphones seem to drop USB audio mode (i.e. return to Bluetooth), resulting in lower audio quality. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/1jqbi57?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \u2699\ufe0f Bottom Line for Your Use Case\n\n- As of right now (firmware 7E108, latest updates): **you still cannot use the built-in mic of the USB-C AirPods Max in wired mode** for Teams or any call software on Windows PCs.\n- You'll need to use Bluetooth mode if you want to use the mic built into the headphones, but that comes with the usual Bluetooth audio limitations (latency, perhaps a drop in audio fidelity).\n- If you\u2019re using a headset for work meetings, here\u2019s what could work better:\n  \u2022 Use the AirPods Max for **audio output only** via USB-C.  \n  \u2022 Use a separate mic (USB mic, laptop/phone\u2019s built-in mic, headset mic) for input. Teams allows you to pick separate input/output devices.  \n  \u2022 Keep an eye on Apple firmware release notes, but nothing so far indicates that USB-C mic support is coming.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can also check whether there are any videos or engineering insights outside of official sources that have tested this more recently, maybe even in early 2026, to see if there's something that slipped through that Apple hasn\u2019t confirmed. Would that be helpful?"
    }
]