[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "can%20you%20tell%20me%20if%20I%20can%20use%20the%20microphone%20of%20the%20airpods%20max%20released%20in%20march%20of%202026%20over%20USBC%20connerction%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found out about whether the **AirPods Max (USB-C version released recently, including the March 2026 \u201cAirPods Max 2\u201d)** can use their built-in microphone when plugged in over USB-C:\n\n---\n\n### \u2705 Key Facts\n\n- The **AirPods Max USB-C model and the newer AirPods Max 2 (H2 chip, released in March 2026)** support **24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio** when connected via a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2/?utm_source=openai))\n- However, **wires are only for audio output**. The microphone **does not function in wired mode**, whether you use USB-C-to-USB-C or the USB-C-to-3.5mm cable. ([loudnwireless.com](https://www.loudnwireless.com/blog/airpods-max-usb-c-lossless-vs-35mm-vs-bluetooth-sounds-different-firmware-7e101?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \ud83d\udd0d Details & Evidence\n\n- According to firmware testing (firmware version 7E101 for the USB-C version), when you plug in the AirPods Max via USB-C, **you get playback (lossless audio, ultra-low latency)** but the system still does **not recognize the AirPods Max as a microphone input**. In other words: **audio out works, mic in doesn\u2019t** in wired mode. ([loudnwireless.com](https://www.loudnwireless.com/blog/airpods-max-usb-c-lossless-vs-35mm-vs-bluetooth-sounds-different-firmware-7e101?utm_source=openai))\n- Multiple users have tested this with different cables and devices (e.g. Steam Deck, PC, consoles) and report that mic usage still requires Bluetooth. Wired connection only transfers sound to the headphones, not voice back from the mic. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/1jrb1w1?utm_source=openai))\n- Apple\u2019s official specs don\u2019t explicitly claim that the mic works over USB-C connection in wired mode. The spec sheets emphasize built-in mics for voice calls, Siri etc., but those are Bluetooth functions. Wired mode is described for audio input/output from the source \u2192 headphones, not microphone output. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/en-la/121205?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n### \u26a0\ufe0f What That Means\n\nIf you're hoping to:\n\n- Take voice calls (audio + mic) while using AirPods Max in a wired connection \u2192 This won\u2019t work. Mic input still depends on Bluetooth.\n- Use them as a headset plugged into a PC, console, or camera where mic input is needed via USB-C \u2192 You\u2019ll need a different setup: either Bluetooth connection or an external mic.\n\n---\n\nSo to answer your question clearly:\n\n> **No**, the microphone on the AirPods Max (including the newest USB-C / \u201cAirPods Max 2\u201d versions) **cannot be used over the USB-C wired connection**. Mic input only works when connected over Bluetooth.\n\nIf you want, I can dig up any future firmware updates or user reports in 2026 that might change this, in case Apple plans to enable it later."
    }
]