Although the AirPods Max are excellent headphones, they could always be better.
Apple AirPods Max 2 Although it was widely anticipated that Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event would feature the AirPods Max 2, September 9 came and went without an announcement of a new iteration of the company’s over-ear headphones. Although there were rumors circulating that the AirPods Max 2 would be unexpectedly released during Apple’s event, the actual changes to the existing AirPods Max’s quality of life were far more limited.
The most significant modification made to the existing AirPods Max is the USB-C port that replaces the Lightning port, bringing the device in line with the rest of Apple’s lineup. Furthermore, Apple has introduced a few eye-catching new hues, such as Midnight, Orange, Starlight, Blue, and Purple. But it appears that a true update to Apple’s most expensive AirPods will have to wait until later.
It makes sense that there is still a lot of talk around the AirPods Max 2. The current generation of AirPods Max are without a doubt the best to date; not only are they the only over-ear headphones with the Apple logo available, but they also provide superb noise cancellation technology, incredibly immersive spatial music, and simply amazing audio quality. Even though Beats, the company that makes the AirPods, has a ton of excellent over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max still has the superior audio quality, comfort, and functionality of all of its competitors.
Although this is the first update the AirPods Max have received since their launch in December 2020, a more significant update is still long overdue. The AirPods Pro 2, on the other hand, received a major improvement with the addition of several new features that the Max did not have, including as weatherproofing, Adaptive Transparency, and more potent U1 and H2 chips. In contrast, the recently released AirPods 4 appear to be a less expensive product because they provide both active noise cancellation and spatial audio.
It has long been anticipated that Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event would reveal the next generation AirPods Max 2. There were rumors that they might make their debut at WWDC 2024 on June 10 in addition to the anticipated release of the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Lite. However, there was no new headphone hardware shown at all. Instead, the AirPods Pro 2 received five free updates with the release of iOS 18, and the AirPods 4 were released in September.
QUICK LIST
No products found.
You can see all of these rumors here. There have been some hints of potential modifications to the AirPods Max 2.
Even though we adored the original AirPods Max, we believe there’s always space for improvement. For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of six features that, in our opinion, would elevate the Apple AirPods Max 2 above the competition and guarantee a spot at the top of our guide to headphones in general, not just Apple headphones specifically. You can find this list below as well.
AirPods Max 2: Release date and price rumors
Although a release date for the Apple AirPods Max 2 has not yet been announced, September 9 is the day that they will be available. For additional information, check out TechRadar’s rundown of what to expect and what not to anticipate from the Glowtime celebration.
Though it’s not a given, we’d like to see the Max 2 on September 9. An Apple analyst has predicted that the AirPods Max 2 won’t be available until 2025 or possibly the end of 2024. Ming-Chi Kuo, an authority on Apple’s supply chain who has a strong track record of predicting the company’s next movements, is the analyst. Furthermore, he’s not alone: Mark Gurman, who has a similarly impressive resume, recently stated that the AirPods Max 2 will “be coming later” than September 9 in a Bloomberg report. However, another analyst named Jeff Pu, who published a study in March based on information from one of Apple’s suppliers, anticipates a late 2024 release date.
Having said that, the first generation of Apple AirPods Max was released in December 2020. Although there isn’t a set pattern to follow in this case, we do know that three years after the originals’ release, Apple upgraded its AirPods Pro line with the release of the AirPods Pro 2. Thus, it’s possible that Kuo and Gurman were misquoted, but we’ll have to wait and see what Apple says at Glowtime.
What pricing range can we anticipate for upcoming AirPods Max models? It will rely on Apple’s assessment of the current model’s sales, which the company prefers not to disclose. However, do not anticipate that we will announce them with terms like “entry level” or “affordable”.
It’s important to remember that the current AirPods Max frequently have discounts of between $100 and $150. That seems to be a pricing that the market has decided is better than the $549 / £549 / AU$899 launch price of the AirPods Max. Maybe the next generation will go even further in that direction, costing more but being marginally more accessible to the great majority of people.
AirPods Max 2
No products found.
Pros
- Unbelievable audio performance
- Fantastic user experience
- Brilliant extra features for iOS
- Great noise cancellation
Cons
- Very expensive
- No 3.5mm audio port
- Limited features for Android
- Ineffective carrying case
AirPods Max 2: What we want to see
1. A proper carrying case
In a nutshell, I would characterize the current AirPods Max case as “a stupid stupid headphone bra.” That’s truthful, but it’s not exactly poetic. I think the AirPods Max carrying case is terrible, hopeless, and every time I wear it in public, I feel like I should repent because I didn’t chose it! Really, the headphones were included!
However, I have more issues with its function than its form. Because the headband isn’t protected, this is blatantly a case of style over substance.
I had paid a good amount for the headphones themselves, but I could spend a lot more on a quality protective case. With the AirPods Max 2, Apple can undoubtedly match other brands that successfully incorporate an actual case.
2. Lossless audio
Although the AirPods Max cost more than many high-end headphones for audiophiles, they do not offer lossless music because they only employ Apple’s AAC codec, which is compressed, over Bluetooth.
No matter how good the headphones are, you really should be able to upgrade to enjoy Apple Music’s Lossless or Hi-Res levels in all their splendor when you’re spending this much on headphones.
We’ve talked about how current Bluetooth technology may allow for lossless AirPods, but whether Apple employs these precise techniques or not, my goal is for the best headphones to play the best music.
Of course, there’s always the cable alternative in case it can’t be done wirelessly. In relation to…
3. A standard cable connection that’s included
Yes, exactly: just like everyone else’s, I didn’t get an audio cable with my AirPods Max for wired listening. Rather, you must pay an additional $35 / £35 / AU$35 to Apple for its Lightning to 3.5mm cable. Furthermore, since this is a digital connection, lossless audio is not even enabled! The worst possible situation.
It was a too-big of a cut to exclude the cord for headphones this expensive. Furthermore, the connector wasn’t even a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which would have been a less conspicuous and more useful choice.
In that case, even if you insist on the cable being non-standard, let’s have one included, please. However, since we’re talking about Lightning connectors,
4. USB-C
It’s included with MacBook Pros and Airs. iPad Airs are equipped with it. It is present in almost all other manufacturers’ gadgets. And the future is USB-C. For this reason, Apple now has a deadline in the EU for converting all upcoming iPhone models to USB-C.
Although the original AirPods Max’s use of Lightning was somewhat understandable at the time as Apple’s standard AirPods charger, it is now extremely aggravating that this is the only Apple product in my house without a USB-C connector. Thus, let us ensure that the substitute is prepared for the future.
5. L/R ear detection
I could purchase the AirPods Max 2 with the money I would have saved up for every time I misplaced one of my AirPods. I can never remember which side is meant to have the controls, and although I can see Apple’s decision to use a Digital Crown like to the Apple Watch, It need to have included the ability to flip the Apple Watch’s controls so that it could be used on either the right or left side, in my opinion.
With the AirPods Max, on the other hand, you may choose to have the controls on the right or the right. However, because the earpads are so same, you can wear them either way.
6. Swappable components
For a while now, there have been rumors that the AirPods Max would be modular, allowing you to customize them to your exact specifications (while also increasing Apple’s revenue) by switching out the ear cups and headbands, just like you can with an Apple Watch.
Apple apparently discarded the idea since it couldn’t make it work, at least not with the headband (the earpads can be switched out rather easily). However, the AirPods Max are really pretty simple to disassemble, particularly if you only want to remove the ear cups, so it’s not unreasonable to picture interchangeable ear cups that come in a variety of hip colors and designs.
AirPods Max 2: Rumors so far
If the AirPods Max 2 are indeed being developed, Apple has done an amazing job at minimizing information and leaks. That being said, there aren’t many rumors to share at this time. Having said that, these are all the initial rumors concerning the AirPods Max 2 that we have been able to locate thus far.
Quick overview:
- Touch controls; this time, there is no digital crown
- Not using adaptive audio
- extended battery life
- Rather than a lightning port, USB-C
- fresh hues
USB-C
Unsurprisingly, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has revealed that the AirPods Max 2 will include USB-C instead of a Lightning connector.
Apple has switched to USB-C for the majority of its goods due to new EU regulations, so it’s safe to assume that the AirPods Max 2 will do the same.
New colors
Gurman announced that the AirPods Max 2 will now be available in additional colors, although he did not say which shades of color those might be. Gurman also mentioned that the device will now use USB-C.
The same chipset and no Adaptive Audio
The AirPods Max 2 will include the same H1 chipset as the original model, according to a leak that surfaced on Chinese social media (via MacRumors). Sadly, this suggests that they won’t be able to employ the Adaptive Audio function of the AirPods Pro 2, as it necessitates a new chipset (like the H2 used by the Pro 2).
Touch controls
A patent that Patently found Apple claims to be developing touch control capabilities for the AirPods Max. The patent, which was released in early February 2022, suggests that touch controls might be included in next gadgets. It’s unclear, though, if this relates to a possible AirPods Max 2 or an upgraded AirPods Max model.
The patent describes the concept of “processing gestures on a touch-sensitive surface,” providing a schematic of such technology. Moreover, the digital crown that is a part of the AirPods Max does not appear to be present in the patent drawings, which may indicate that a later model of the AirPods Max may completely do away with the digital crown in favor of custom touch controls.
Lossless audio
Another patent that Patently discovered Apple implies that it may be developing new, high-quality optical audio transmission technologies for the AirPods, however Bluetooth will still likely remain the primary means of communication for users.
Although it’s not a feature that the AirPods Max 2 will undoubtedly have, we can’t rule out the possibility that a future model will include the same technology. After all, there’s no reason why a set of over-ear headphones couldn’t have the same lossless audio support if the AirPods Pro 2 can manage to incorporate this technology.
AirPods Max 2
No products found.
AirPods Max 2 : FAQs
Q. How does the sound quality compare with the other pairs of high-end headphones?
The AirPods Max 2 will boast superior sound competing with high-end headphones, deeper bass, clearer mids, and crisper highs. With Apple’s latest audio technologies, the new model is in good position to be an audiophile’s and casual listener’s favorite.
Q. What does the AirPods Max 2 have that’s new?
Among all, the AirPods Max 2 might feature lossless audio, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, noise cancellation, better overall design to make the headphones more comfortable and resilient, and software updates improving the user’s experience.
Q. Is the AirPods Max 2 battery life better than that of the original?
Yes, the AirPods Max 2 will have extended battery life compared to the original AirPods Max to give users longer listening sessions without needing to recharge. Specific details on battery performance will be dependent on usage, but Apple did focus on power efficiency with the new model.
Q. Can the AirPods Max 2 be used with non-Apple audio devices?
While the AirPods Max 2 are optimized for use with Apple devices, they also work via Bluetooth with all types of non-Apple devices. Certain features, like spatial audio and seamless device switching, however, will be greatly curtailed or inoperable with them paired with non-Apple products.
Q. How does the noise cancellation in the AirPods Max 2 compare to that of the original model?
In the AirPods Max 2, there could be an upgraded feature in noise cancellation to provide an even better immersive listening experience, considering how much more external noise will be blocked. It might include advanced algorithms and new hardware for even further performance improvements.
Q. What colors will the AirPods Max 2 come in?
Apple typically releases its devices in several colors, and several color options are likely to be offered for the AirPods Max 2. While specific colors remain unknown, examples of these could include basic options like Space Gray and Silver, among others, for this model.
Q. Should I upgrade to the AirPods Max 2 if I already have an AirPods Max?
Worth upgrading to these will mean different things to different people. Some may upgrade just because they like having the latest and greatest audio, better battery life, and other new features like lossless audio support. Others might be perfectly happy to keep using their AirPods Max for a while longer and wait for the next generation.
Q. How much do the AirPods Max 2 cost?
With that said, for the AirPods Max 2, it has not been noted with exact pricing, but they’ll probably be similar to the original AirPods Max, which initially placed themselves as a premium offering in the market. More detailed pricing will follow closer to the release.
These AirPods Max 2 will be available to buy online from Apple’s official website, Apple Stores, and authorized resellers. Bestfluencer will update this story with links to the most trustworthy retailers as well as any deals when it becomes live.
If you have any other questions about the AirPods Max 2, feel free to reach out to us through our website, Bestfluencer.
