Apple has quietly filed for FCC approval of a new pair of over‑ear headphones, model A3577, ending years of speculation about a successor to the AirPods Max. The filing, discovered on May 24, 2026, lists nothing more than “Bluetooth over‑ear headphones,” but it is a strong signal that Apple is about to refresh its premium wireless audio line.
The FCC database entry is sparse: no images, no detailed specs, just the model number A3577 and a confirmation that the device transmits via Bluetooth. By law, products containing radio transmitters must be approved by the FCC before sale in the U.S., so this filing typically appears weeks or months ahead of a commercial launch. Apple has not announced the product, but such regulatory submissions are rarely made without a release on the horizon.
The AirPods Max arrived in December 2020 at $549, and while they remain technically capable – featuring Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, and a digital crown – the product has not received a hardware update in over five years. That span is unusually long for a flagship audio product, especially as competitors like Sony’s WH‑1000XM6 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra have advanced continuously. Apple’s own chip evolution – from the H1 in the original AirPods Max to the H2 found in AirPods Pro (2nd generation) – has left the over‑ear line conspicuously behind.
Industry watchers expect the new Apple over‑ear headphones to adopt the H2 chip, which would bring improved adaptive EQ, better transparency mode, and enhanced power efficiency. A switch from Lightning to USB‑C for charging seems almost certain, both to comply with EU regulations and to unify with Apple’s broader ecosystem. The filing does not confirm USB‑C, but the reasoning is strong given that Apple already moved the iPhone and AirPods Pro to USB‑C. Larger questions remain: will the new model keep the same form‑fitting design, or will Apple revise the weight (the AirPods Max are notoriously heavy at 385 g) and the smart case that has been widely criticised?
“An FCC filing is the strongest evidence you can get that a product is nearing launch,” said a wireless product analyst who requested anonymity because they are not authorised to discuss unannounced hardware. “Apple has been quiet on the over‑ear front for too long. This filing suggests they are finally ready to compete again at the high end of the headphone market.”
Looking ahead, the new Apple over‑ear headphones could be unveiled as early as September, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 lineup. A late‑2026 launch would align with Apple’s typical product cadence. If the A3577 is indeed a genuine successor, expect a higher price – possibly $599 to $649 – reflecting inflation and upgraded components. For now, the filing is the only concrete clue, but it has already reignited interest among Apple fans and audiophiles alike.
Technology
→ Neutral
New Apple A3577 Over-Ear Headphones Discovered In FCC Filing
A new FCC filing for a pair of “Bluetooth over-ear headphones” has just emerged. Here’s what it is likely to mean.
David Phelan, Senior Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- Model A3577 is a Bluetooth over‑ear headphone that appeared in the FCC database on May 24, 2026, indicating a near‑term product launch.
- The AirPods Max (model A2096) launched in December 2020 and has not received a hardware update in over five years.
- Apple’s H2 chip, already in AirPods Pro 2, is widely expected to power the new headphones, enabling adaptive transparency and improved battery life.
- The filing does not include images or specifications, but the change from Lightning to USB‑C is considered highly likely due to EU regulations and ecosystem consistency.
- Competitors have advanced significantly: Sony’s WH‑1000XM6 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra both launched in 2023‑2024, leaving the AirPods Max behind on features and price.
- Apple’s typical product unveiling window (September) suggests the A3577 could debut alongside the iPhone 18 series in autumn 2026.
"An FCC filing is the strongest evidence you can get that a product is nearing launch. Apple has been quiet on the over‑ear front for too long. This filing suggests they are finally ready to compete again at the high end of the headphone market."
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apple A3577 is a model number for a new pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones that appeared in an FCC filing on May 24, 2026. It is widely believed to be the successor to the AirPods Max or a new premium over-ear headphone from Apple.
Based on the FCC filing, the Apple A3577 could launch within weeks or months. Apple typically introduces new audio products in September alongside the iPhone, so a late 2026 release is expected, but an earlier launch is also possible.
The new Apple over-ear headphones are expected to include the H2 chip for improved adaptive EQ and transparency mode, USB-C charging, possibly a lighter design, and continued support for spatial audio. Specific details have not been confirmed by Apple.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires any electronic device that emits radio frequencies to be tested and approved before sale in the United States. Companies often file confidentially, but the basic details become public. The filing is a strong indicator that a product is nearing commercial release.
It is possible. The AirPods Max launched at $549 in 2020. Given inflation and upgraded components like the H2 chip and USB-C, the new model could be priced between $599 and $649, though Apple has not announced any pricing.
There is no official word from Apple on discontinuing the AirPods Max. The A3577 filing suggests a replacement or upgrade will launch, but the current model may continue to sell at a lower price or be phased out after the new model ships.
Topics
Original source
www.forbes.com
Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to post a comment or reply.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!