Upcoming TLDs / .max
Can you register a .max domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .max would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
MAX is an abbreviation for "maximum," representing the highest level, greatest amount, or peak of something.
The core meaning of Max is the maximum, highest limit, reaching the limit, such as the limit in quantity, degree, and specifications. Max can also be indirectly understood as a person or something unleashing all their energy, viewed as a 'great power'.
Max is short for maximum - the fullest, biggest, or best version of something.
short for maximum
An abbreviation of maximum, meaning the greatest possible amount, level or degree.
"Max" is an informal shortening of "maximum" or "maximize," referring to the greatest possible amount, degree, or upper limit of something.
Max commonly refers to a broadly recognized term used across a wide range of contexts.
MAX is short for maximum, the greatest amount, level or limit possible. It also means taking something as far as it can go. All the way, by definition.
Who applied for .max
Cam Connecting SARL
MC, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. .MAX is an abbreviation for "maximum," representing the highest level, greatest amount, or peak of something — the universal indicator of the highest standard and premium quality.
ltd.com
Hangzhou Shuniu Cloud Computing Co., Ltd., CN, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing, ICANN applicant support
The main string "max" applied by the applicant is aimed at global users. The core concept of Max is usually related to "maximum value", "limit", and "maximization". The core meaning is maximum, the highest limit, reaching the limit or maximization, such as quantity, degree, and specification limits. Max can also be indirectly understood as a person or something unleashing all their energy, viewed as a 'great power'. When the application scenario is used to describe a technology or product, it can release powerful (reaching its limit in quantity) performance, and people will compare this "limit …
Intercap Registry Inc.
KY, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The proposed .max top-level domain represents the everyday idea of the maximum - the fullest, biggest, or best version of something. The word is common shorthand across ordinary usage: top product tiers, upgraded offerings, personal bests, and "to the max" as a plain expression of going all in.
Link Freedom Group / LFG
Link Freedom Group Ltd, MT, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Link Freedom Group (LFG) aspires to become a best-in-class, vertically integrated domain name registration authority, see linkfreedomgroup.link. This TLD is part of a carefully curated portfolio of strings that LFG intends to pursue in ICANN’s 2026 New gTLD Program. In assembling this portfolio, LFG focused on securing meaningful, memorable, and commercially compelling strings that resonate strongly with end users and offer long-term growth potential.
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .max is to provide a memorable namespace for businesses, products, services and individuals focused on performance, optimization, achievement and reaching their full potential.
Registry Services, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD.
Paws Button, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .MAX is to provide a namespace associated with the applied-for string. The .MAX gTLD is intended to serve a broad range of registrants and users, including individuals, businesses, organizations, communities, projects, and other entities that identify with, relate to, or wish to be associated with the concept represented by the applied-for string.
XYZ.COM LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and purpose. This gTLD will be operated as an open, unrestricted generic top-level domain. Its purpose is to expand naming choice in the DNS by making this term available at the top level for any lawful use chosen by the registrant. Registrations will be available to all registrants on a first-come, first-served basis through ICANN-accredited registrars, subject only to the Registry Agreement, ICANN Consensus Policies, and applicable law. The applicant will not operate this gTLD on an exclusive basis.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .max be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .max and its registry announces launch dates.