AirPods Max, Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, deliver impressive active noise cancellation, a refined design and high-quality sound. They have been a hit with iPhone, iPad and Mac users since their launch in December 2020. However, does Apple plan a second generation of AirPods Max in the near future? If so, what new features and improvements can we expect?
When will AirPods Max 2 launch?
AirPods Max 2 do not have an official release date yet, but several Apple watchers and analysts already shared predictions. In January 2023, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple would release a new version of AirPods Max in mid-2024 or early 2025. Ming-Chi Kuo usually gets his forecasts right. In October 2023, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who also has a strong track record, said AirPods Max 2 would arrive on the market at the end of 2024. So AirPods Max 2 and iPhone 16 will probably be announced in September this year, or shortly after.
How much will AirPods Max 2 cost?
The price of AirPods Max 2 remains unknown, but they will likely arrive at the same price as the original AirPods Max, around $579. AirPods Max cost far more than many of the best headphone options, such as Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. As a result, a price cut is unlikely.
What new features and improvements will AirPods Max 2 bring?
AirPods Max 2 should keep many of the same features and a similar design. However, the second generation will likely add several upgrades.
- Design
AirPods Max use high-end materials that move away from common plastic and place them firmly in the premium segment. AirPods Max 2 will likely keep that approach and add a wider range of colours. In addition, AirPods Max 2 may ship with a fully closed Smart Case that protects the headphones better than the current case, which leaves the sides exposed. - Controls
The Digital Crown on AirPods Max, inspired by the Apple Watch, controls playback, calls, volume and Siri. However, AirPods Max 2 may rely on touch-sensitive ear cups instead of that knob. A patent filed by Apple describes how the cups can respond to gestures such as tapping, swiping and rotating. - Performance
The current model already delivers rich bass and clear, detailed treble. It also includes a Transparency mode that lets in outside sound and high-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency noise. Features such as Spatial Audio provide surround sound on iPhone and iPad, and Adaptive EQ tunes audio to the shape of the listener’s ears. AirPods Max 2 should keep these capabilities and add a new H2 chip that can raise power, efficiency and connectivity. - Battery
One downside of AirPods Max is battery life of only about twenty hours with active noise cancellation on, with roughly two hours needed for a full charge. AirPods Max 2 should offer longer battery life and a USB-C port instead of Lightning, which simplifies charging and compatibility with other devices. - Models
Apple may also launch more than one AirPods Max 2 model in order to reach a wider range of users and budgets. For example, the company could ship a cheaper, sport-focused version with a lighter, sweat-resistant design and slightly lower audio quality. A product like “AirPods Max Lite” could compete with Beats Studio headphones.
Although AirPods Max 2 are not on the market yet, they will likely be an excellent choice for anyone who wants high-quality headphones with advanced features and a sophisticated design. Because they integrate seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac and Siri, they should be especially attractive for people who already use other Apple products. On the other hand, they will very likely remain extremely expensive, so they may not suit anyone who wants a better price or prefers a more discreet, lightweight style.
So before you decide if AirPods Max 2 are worth buying, wait for the official launch and compare them to other options on the market. Another option is to buy the current model after the new version arrives, since the price of the original AirPods Max may drop.
