The AirPods Max, marking three years since their release in December 2023, were notably absent from the WWDC 2024 event on June 10.
However, rumors persist about a potential AirPods Max 2 launching later in 2024.
There haven’t been any rumors about Apple’s premium headphones updates. However, several updates are expected for the AirPods family, with the release of iOS 18 later this year.
The next chance for official news on the new AirPods Max will be at Apple’s September event. For now, there’s enough evidence to suggest a new version of the Apple AirPods Max is being developed.
Known for their top-notch sound quality and sleek design, the AirPods Max excels with impressive spatial audio.
While priced at $549, they aren’t budget-friendly, yet they’ve garnered a strong following and are a favored choice among iPhone users who seek premium quality.
Curious about how they stack up against Apple’s top AirPods models?
Also, check out our comparison of AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones to see how these popular noise-canceling designs measure up.
Here’s what we know about AirPods Max 2 rumors and the improvements we anticipate for future AirPods Max headphones.
AirPods Max 2 Anticipated Release Date
The original AirPods Max debuted on December 15, 2020. Unlike the iPhone and Apple Watch, airPods don’t stick to a set release pattern.
It needs to be clarified when the AirPods Max 2 might launch. However, an update will likely be soon, considering Apple’s recent move to upgrade its premium AirPods Pro 2 with the H2 chipset and Adaptive Audio features.
AirPods Max 2 Estimated Price
There are no rumors yet about the price of the AirPods Max 2. The original AirPods Max are priced at $549, but it’s still being determined if the new model will stay at that price.
Despite occasional discounts in headphone deals, AirPods Max are notably more expensive than alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. A price drop isn’t expected.
AirPods Max 2 Possible Design Changes
The AirPods Max are stylish with extendable armbands, sleek aluminum cups, and mesh headbands. Though heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM5, their substantial feel is appreciated.
The color options are also appealing, available in space gray, silver, sky blue, green, and pink.
There are rumors of new colors for the current AirPods Max before the second generation is released. These rumored colors might also be available for the AirPods Max 2.
In his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’d Mark Gurman confirmed that the next AirPods Max will feature USB-C instead of Lightning and come in new colors.
Similar to the USB-C AirPods Pro 2, these are the only changes Apple plans to make.
It’s quite disappointing. Priced at $550, the current AirPods Max are starting to feel outdated as they need features found in newer models.
For instance, the AirPods Pro 2 now boasts Adaptive Audio features like Adaptive Noise Control, Personalized Volume adjustments, and Conversation Awareness.
These enhancements rely on the H2 chip, something the AirPods Max does not have.
AirPods Max 2 might include touch controls. As a recent patent application suggested, Apple is exploring ways to interpret gestures on a touch-sensitive pad.
Given the trend in headphones and earbuds, incorporating intuitive touch controls into the next AirPods Max seems plausible.
As we await more details about the AirPods Max 2, here are some features we hope to see compared to the original AirPods Max:
It would be a mistake for Apple not to include its latest headphone chip in the next AirPods Max. This custom silicon promises enhanced computational audio compared to the H1 chip.
An improved H2 chip that results in longer battery life because of efficient energy usage and improved sound quality. It also enables personalized volume, adaptive audio, and enhanced noise-cancellation capabilities.
Precision finding, a standout feature in the iPhone 15 series and latest Apple Watch models relies on the U2 Ultra Wideband chip. This enables precise location tracking within the Find My app.
Although you can locate AirPods Max using Find My, it needs the detailed location accuracy of the U2 chip. Integrating this feature into AirPods Max 2 would be beneficial, especially since headphones are often misplaced.
Wired listening may seem basic, but using AirPods Max with a cable is essential when the battery is depleted.
A $35 Lightning-to-3.5mm cable currently allows this, but it only works if the battery is completely drained.
The current AirPods Max “Smart Case” provides minimal protection, leaving the headband vulnerable.
Since AirPods Max are not waterproof, the case exposes ports to potential damage from leaks or wet conditions.
A sturdier case for the AirPods Max 2 would be welcome, but purchasing one of the top AirPods Max cases and covers remains the solution.
Although AirPods Max enters a low-power mode when paused or stored in their smart case, users often desire a way to power them down fully.
A physical power button for the AirPods Max 2 would be ideal. It remains to be seen if Apple might introduce this feature through a software update for the current AirPods Max.
Enhancing supported audio formats is crucial for improving sound resolution and detail in the AirPods Max.
Currently, their best output is through Apple’s AAC wireless codec. Competitors like Sony utilize advanced wireless codecs for superior sound quality, and there’s also the aptX Lossless Audio codec supported by some mobile devices.
Apple’s upcoming USB-C AirPods will introduce support for a new Lossless Audio protocol, expected to debut with the $3,500 Vision Pro mixed reality headset in 2024.
Future versions of AirPods Max must incorporate support for lossless audio to compete as top headphones for audiophiles.
