AirPods Max 2 Could Miss Out on Adaptive Audio Features

[MacRumors]

The second-generation AirPods Max could miss out on Adaptive Audio, according to a rumor coming out of Asia.

The rumor comes from Weibo user "Instant Digital," who claims that while new AirPods Max will "definitely" come out this year, the only change will be a USB-C port. The headphones will apparently continue to forgo Adaptive Audio due to the presence of an older processor.

Adaptive Audio encompasses three features: Adaptive Noise Control, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness. Adaptive Noise Control blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode to adjust the level of noise control based on the changing noise conditions in your environment, Personalized Volume adjusts the media volume based on environmental conditions and volume preferences, and Conversation Awareness lowers media volume and enhances voices in front of you.

The features are exclusive to the second-generation AirPods Pro because they require the H2 chip's processing power. The first-generation AirPods Max feature the H1 chip and did not gain Adaptive Audio via a software update as a result. Multiple rumors suggest that the only notable improvement offered by the second-generation AirPods Max will be a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging and wired audio playback, potentially alongside some new color options, meaning that the H2 chip will continue to be absent.

Despite the AirPods Max's $549 price point, the second-generation AirPods Pro might still offer superior hardware and software than their over-ear sibling, touting features such as the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, Adaptive Audio, improved Active Noise Cancellation, skin-detect sensors, sweat and water resistance, the U1 chip, Precision Finding, and support for MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.

Apple's refreshed over-ear headphones are expected to launch in late 2024 alongside two fourth-generation AirPods models.

Article Link: AirPods Max 2 Could Miss Out on Adaptive Audio Features

 

[nortonandreev]

I love my AirPods Max but it’s ridiculous how outdated they are and that a new version is not coming anytime soon…

 

[vegetassj4]

They will have Adaptive Audio. They have Adapted the audio to play over USB C. /s

 

[G5isAlive]

I know all the rumors say the Max will lack the H2, but rumors have been wrong before. Let's hope so in this case. Most of the time I can understand where Apple is coming from, but this baffles me.

 

[frou]

Tim allocated the AirPods Max 2 design team one week total, and they had to pull allnighters to get the USB-C port over the line

 

[JohnRckr]

I am sure it won't miss out on a price hike then.

 

[tomtad]

And we think you're gonna love it!

 

[mrfunnypenguin]

They are not worth $500 if they don't have an aux port so you can play lossless on them.

 

[PsykX]

It seems like it will be overpriced once again, for what it has to offer.

 

[mikethebigo]

I literally cannot believe they would sell them without the H2. Or even an H3.

 

[jz0309]

I sometimes miss the "old" analog days when you bought a high quality pair of headsets that lasted over a decade, no charging, battery replacement ...

 

[Lakersfan74]

Probably saving it for the AirPods Max Ultra

 

[gatorvet96]

Probably not true. If it is then no one should buy them.

 

[contacos]

Probably cuts 1 dollar too much into their margins even though it will obviously come with a price increase anyway

 

[gusping]

Trounced by the Sony XM5s and Bose QC Ultras before they even launch. Embarrassing. Don’t even get me started on the battery life, or lack of.

 

[tomtad]

I sometimes miss the "old" analog days when you bought a high quality pair of headsets that lasted over a decade, no charging, battery replacement ...

But Mother Nature prefers it this way

 

[upandown]

Usually when decisions like this are made it’s because of low sales. They have a backlog of parts they don’t want to essentially throw away. I understand that from a business prospective but from a consumer standpoint not including those features in this, long in the tooth product would be a really bad move. I believe when products get refreshed they should at minimum have all the same features as their counterparts. Unfortunately Apple does not operate this way. I still have a hard time believing this rumor.

 

[coachingguy]

I've had the APM's since release. IMHO, great, great headphones! However, if the APM2 are missing theses features AND only include the USB C, my prediction is DOA... Unless the drop the price to around $199... And even then...

I call "Bunk!" on this rumor!

IF the APM2 have all of these changes, better battery, new colors and USB C, first day purchase!

Coachingguy

 

[Diskutant]

If the mesh/headband is the same, there is no chance I will buy them no matter how much anything else improved.
The mesh gets loose/sagging after a year or so. So the steel headband push on my head causing pain and dent. I can't use them without putting something soft between the AirPods and my head.
I googled around and saw that there are many others with this problem.

 

[CWallace]

Apple does not have to add USB-C to the current APM to continue to sell them in the EU (same reason the keyboard/mouse/trackpad did not go USB-C with the latest iMac refresh). Only if Apple releases a new APM would they need to add USB-C.

Of course, Apple could just be adding USB-C to the APM for the same reason they added it to the APP2 (which also did not need to be updated to continue to sell) and if Apple feels that adding H2 would not convince enough APM1 owners to upgrade nor spur sales from new customers who are using a different headphone, then Apple may feel it is not worth the effort to update it beyond moving to USB-C to continue the slow deprecation of Lightning.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

They need to give people a reason to upgrade today, and a reason to upgrade next week too.

 

[VisceralRealist]

This is just the most frustrating and stupid rumor; I'm so sick of hearing it. AirPods Max "second generation" is going to have a USB-C port and nothing else? It's ridiculous on so many levels. If it's true, then that other rumor that said it will still be called "first generation" because it's not different enough is likely correct. It means they are just milking old parts until they can finally discontinue this thing.

 

[johntw]

I refuse to believe these and other rumors. They will likely physically look the same so the supply chain can't be much help. But I don't see how they don't get the H2 (or newer chipset) and support for lossless playback over USB-C. Especially because the Beats Studio Pro offers some of that today.

 

[neuropsychguy]

but rumors have been wrong before.

Understatement of the year.

 

[Harmonious Zen]

If the mesh/headband is the same, there is no chance I will buy them no matter how much anything else improved.
The mesh gets loose/sagging after a year or so. So the steel headband push on my head causing pain and dent. I can't use them without putting something soft between the AirPods and my head.
I googled around and saw that there are many others with this problem.

I've had mine for almost two years and there are zero issues with my headband. You must be doing something to them.

APM are the best headphones I've ever had, and I've had a lot. The weight is not a problem for me at all and the sound quality is superb. I really don't care much about Adaptive Audio, nor I'd wager does the average person. I DO care about USB-C though.