AirPods Max 2 Launch Next Year: What to Expect (and What to Hope For)

[MacRumors]

AirPods Max are the oldest current-generation AirPods product still in Apple's lineup. It's been almost three years since Apple launched AirPods Max in December 2020, and only recently have we begun hearing rumors about Apple's plans for a new-generation model next year.

According to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple will introduce a new version of the AirPods Max in late 2024. Here's what we expect from the new version of Apple's premium over-ear headphones, followed by some potential features that we hope to see but are still unconfirmed for AirPods Max 2.

2024 AirPods Max: What to Expect

USB-C

According to Gurman, Apple will replace the Lightning port found on the current-generation AirPods Max for a USB-C port. This will ensure the headphones comply with European regulations, and will bring consistency across the company's AirPods lineup.

This of course means AirPods Max 2 will come supplied with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, rather than a Lightning to USB-C cable. Apple will also need to offer a USB-C to 3.5mm audio accessory cable so that users can plug AirPods Max 2 into 3.5mm audio ports.

Bluetooth 5.3

The Bluetooth 5.3 specification can already be found in the AirPods Pro 2, the iPhone 15 lineup, and the latest Apple Watch models. It is also supported by all Mac models released in 2023. Therefore it's almost inevitable that the second-generation ‌AirPods Max‌ will similarly feature the latest Bluetooth standard.

Bluetooth 5.3 includes enhancements that can improve the reliability of the wireless connection as well as energy efficiency. The specification also includes LE Audio, but Apple does not appear to have implemented support for LE Audio in its devices yet.

New Colors

Apple will offer second-generation AirPods Max in fresh colors, according to an October 2023 Bloomberg report. Although what those colors might be is currently unknown.

AirPods Max are currently available in Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink, although interchangeable ear cushions allow for many color combinations. Apple sells standalone ear cushions for $69 per pair.

2024 AirPods Max: What to Hope For

The latest rumors suggest that no other major changes are expected for the AirPods Max 2, although Apple's plans could always change between now and when they are released in late 2024. Here are the improvements and changes that we hope Apple ultimately includes.

H2 Chip
It would seem reasonable for AirPods Max 2 to feature the H2 chip, Apple's custom silicon chip designed specifically for earbuds and headphones. The H2 chip enables improved computational audio to enhance sound quality on the current-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ and improves battery life with better energy efficiency.

Despite the H2 chip's introduction with the AirPods Pro, Gurman's latest report suggests Apple currently does not plan to include the technology in the AirPods Max 2, which would also deprive the headphones of H2-specific features like Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and improved noise cancelation and battery life.

U2 Chip and Precision Finding

Apple's U2 Ultra Wideband chip can be found in the latest iPhone 15 series, Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and allows for Precision Finding in the Find My app.

The current ‌AirPods Max‌ feature basic support for ‌Find My‌, but do not even feature the previous generation U1 chip. For Apple to add a U2 chip to AirPods Max 2 would therefore enable a much more precise way to locate the headphones when they are nearby.

Redesigned Smart Case

When Apple unveiled the $549 ‌AirPods Max‌, the included Smart Case stirred up plenty of online chatter for its odd appearance and poor overall protection when compared to the traditional hard cases that come with other premium headphones.

Apple's much-lampooned case birthed an avalanche of memes, which have irreverently compared it to all sorts of things, from handbags to lingerie, and even body parts. There are no rumors that Apple plans to redesign the case, although one Apple patent describes how a future model could come with a case that offers a more traditional portable housing.

Article Link: AirPods Max 2 Launch Next Year: What to Expect (and What to Hope For)

 

[mikethebigo]

In my mind there is literally a 0% chance that Apple would update these and not include the H2 chip.

 

[Jackbequickly]

If they could be a bit smaller and lighter would help. These are the only over the ear units that compete and maybe beat my Sony units.

 

[thatguywill]

Headphones need a 3.5mm jack, I believe Apple are the only company that don't offer this.

 

[krspkbl]

Headphones need a 3.5mm jack, I believe Apple are the only company that don't offer this.

What year is it?

 

[AhRiHmAn]

In my mind there is literally a 0% chance that Apple would update these and not include the H2 chip.

Would be crazy , even if the sound is already really good with H1

 

[dhershberger]

I love my Max, but I sure wish Apple would allow a direct digital signal over USB-C into the headphone's built-in DAC so we could enjoy lossless audio, while allowing it to charge at the same time.

 

[MuppetGate]

Hopefully, they do something about the “AudioBra” carrying case. 🤦🏾‍♂️

 

[Edsel]

It would be nice if the new release were able to perform audiometry hearing tests to compensate for an individual's frequency loss.

 

[Harry Haller]

What year is it?

2023

 

[thatguywill]

What year is it?

Shows how little you need about sound quality. Apple still put the headphone jack on Macs, do they not?

And the fact they don't have a High Res codec like LDAC or APTx is a big negative

 

[Apple_Robert]

I have been happy with the current Max model which I got in "like new" at half the price from a fellow forum member. Unless Apple lowers the price and offers a substantial update, I am not interested in paying close to $600 for a pair of headphones.

 

[NoSoup4U]

In my mind there is literally a 0% chance that Apple would update these and not include the H2 chip.

Only plausible alternative would be an H3 chip.

 

[augustrushrox]

Just make them fold, raise the current bar and give them an at least halfway respectable looking case, and rake in the money.

 

[mazz0]

I've never really been a fan of the bars-of-soap aesthetic. I might be tempted if they had a redesign, so I kinda hope they don't!

Also yeah, I've heard a few people comment on the weight. Why do they need to be aluminium? Plastic is fine for the shell, we only need metal for the frame.

 

[MapleBeercules]

1. power button
2. titanium
3. better way to store / travel (its too bulky)
4. better battery life
5. built-in airtag
6. WIRELESS CHARGING, it is 2023 after all

A tiffany bow on the box would be nice but... I can live without it

 

[Velin]

What year is it?

Wired audio is still significantly superior to bluetooth / wireless compression. This can be heard, and measured, without question.

 

[tigres]

Improved headband for life of product is a must. Make the part under warranty and replaceable, because they fail 100% over time and loose the tightness in the mesh.

 

[NARadyk]

In my mind there is literally a 0% chance that Apple would update these and not include the H2 chip.

I don’t think it’s absurd to even think it might include the H3.

 

[jacg]

In my mind there is literally a 0% chance that Apple would update these and not include the H2 chip.

Yup. This is the dumbest take ever on the internets.

 

[windywalks]

My wishes for AirPods Max 2:

- Make them lighter! The current weight is objectively too much - I get neck cramps after prolonged usage, and I do work out and stretch, so muscle tone isn't an issue.

- Either offer replaceable headbands, or figure out a different design altogether! I don't want to live in fear of the mesh tearing or losing elasticity, not to mention getting it dirty with hair product etc.

- Make the "satin" silicone coating on the headband more resilient! Just a minor fingernail scratch and it start peeling - not something I'd expect from premium headphones.

- Isolate the connectors on the headband! Even if you don't get your pair wet, there is still some tiny lint gathering there and the cans lose connectivity. Also pulling down on them can intermittently break the connection between both of of the cans and your iPhone etc.

- Did I mention the case? I didn't use mine all that much, but it's absurd how it seems to already seemingly be decomposing as the rubber is flaking on the edges of the "bra". And no, I don't store it in a wet, musty basement.

Other than that, mine and my partner's almost 3 year old units are still up and running, except the aforementioned caveats. The Maxes are great cans, but they sure are due for an update - both internally and externally.

 

[anakin44011]

Am I the only one who finds the connectivity variance baffling? The fact that these will lose connection with my MBP and will just not reconnect...with it, nor my iPhone, nor my iPad. And then the next day...just fine...until it loses connection again.

Or the various crackling, like the bluetooth starts to degrade...from four feet away.

They are amazing when they work, but baffling when they don't.

 

[Born Again]

We need to be honest here.. the 1st gen was a failure.

Apple needs to redesign this product and drop the price.

Make all those updates noted above its still heavy, ugly (yes very), and expensive.

You think it’s going to fly off the shelves with usb c? Pa-leeze

 

[tweaknmod]

We need to be honest here.. the 1st gen was a failure.

Apple needs to redesign this product and drop the price.

Make all those updates noted above its still heavy, ugly (yes very), and expensive.

You think it’s going to fly off the shelves with usb c? Pa-leeze

I love mine, honestly.

I don’t find them ugly in the least - quite the opposite, in my eyes.

While I wouldn’t mind them being a bit lighter and less expensive, I don’t regret my purchase at all.

If the next version offer a slightly lighter form factor, usbc, and better battery, I’ll be getting a pair for sure (and my wife will inherit my current pair).

 

[anthogag]

Better sound and lossless playback will surely be in the next Max. If Vision Pro can do lossless with current USB-C AirPods Pro then the next AP Max should be able to do lossless with iPhone 16. 🤌