AirPods Max Still Lack H2 Chip Following Minor Update With USB-C Port and New Colors

[jayducharme]

Sticking with the H1 chip was a bizarre move, especially at that price point. They already make the chip, so why can't they include it in their most expensive headset? The least they could have done was keep the old AirPods Max inventory at a lower price, and have a new version at the current price.

 

[VisceralRealist]

I'm not an APM super user by any means, but I'm failing to see the disappointment in the lack of update aside from "they're 4 years old". What's missing in the APM?

How about a new, better case? Or an on/off button? Or ability to handle lossless audio? Or wired audio? Or adaptive audio or other audio improvements that claim to be a result of the H2?

I don't think there needed to be a radical new design, but I don't get their excuse for not including the latest chip that the other AirPods models use.

 

[sw1tcher]

I'm not an APM super user by any means, but I'm failing to see the disappointment in the lack of update aside from "they're 4 years old". What's missing in the APM?

It's as if you didn't even bother to read the heading

"AirPods Max Still Lack H2 Chip Following Minor Update With USB-C Port and New Colors"


Benefits of H2 over H1

All the New Features the H2 Chip Brings to the AirPods Pro 2

Apple today introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro, which are equipped with an all-new H2 chip. The H2 is the successor to the H1, and it...

www.macrumors.com

Apple today introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro, which are equipped with an all-new H2 chip. The H2 is the successor to the H1, and it enables new features like improved noise cancellation, a new transparency mode, and better sound.

• Active Noise Cancellation - The H2 chip in the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 cancels twice as much noise compared to the original ‌AirPods Pro‌.
• Adaptive Transparency Mode - The H2 chip allows for on-device processing that reduces loud environmental sounds like a siren, construction work, or loud speakers at a concert without silencing noise entirely.
• Improved Acoustics - Apple says the H2 chip provides an "exceptional acoustic experience" when paired with the new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier. The ‌AirPods Pro‌ offer richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies.
• Personalized Spatial Audio - Apple touted personalized spatial audio as an ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 highlight, with the feature being introduced in iOS 16. This isn't an AirPods 2 exclusive as it uses the TrueDepth camera on the iPhone, but it does work with the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2.

 

[Stromos]

I am just beyond annoyed they released this and the Ultra 2 and acted like they are new products. No point did they say the Ultra 2 is last years model with a new color.

If next year they do real upgrades on these products what’s going to be the actual shelf life (support) for these? The new headphones going to fall off the upgrade bandwagon being treated like they are +5 years old already? The Ultra 2 +1 year already?

Paying full price for essentially an old model but Apple marketed them like they are brand new with years of support.

Next year when the Ultra 3 comes out will trade in on my Ultra 2 be significantly less because it’s two years old vs one?

 

[dugbug]

Im disappointed too. It does get an update from iOS18 though for what its worth:

"AirPods Max are gaining support for Personalized Spatial Audio with the upcoming iOS 18 software update."

-d

 

[Herrpod]

Same terrible design, same terrible price. Easy pass.

 

[russell_314]

Not yet clear if they support any method of wired audio input, either... Obviously Apple's lightning/3.5mm adapter won't work! It could work with USB-C audio input, but I haven't seen any confirmation!

I’m sure they will make a USB-C version of the cable.

 

[Etc_]

I am just beyond annoyed they released this and the Ultra 2 and acted like they are new products. No point did they say the Ultra 2 is last years model with a new color.

If next year they do real upgrades on these products what’s going to be the actual shelf life (support) for these? The new headphones going to fall off the upgrade bandwagon being treated like they are +5 years old already? The Ultra 2 +1 year already?

Paying full price for essentially an old model but Apple marketed them like they are brand new with years of support.

Next year when the Ultra 3 comes out will trade in on my Ultra 2 be significantly less because it’s two years old vs one?

Yes, their product fragmentation is really a mess. It was always an issue with the iPads, but now they’ve started doing it with all their products.

 

[StoneJack]

I mean how hard would it have been to just update to the h2 chip inside of it and keep everything else the same?????

It is technologically one of most formidable tasks Apple ever faced

 

[npmacuser5]

Technical specifications really not a big concern for my purchase decisions. Comes down to my needs vs my wants. In this case, Beats Studio Pro doing the job nicely for integration to Apple products, ease of use, acceptable sound at a good price point. I may want a more expensive product, reality for my needs say otherwise.

 

[GMShadow]

This is worse than the iPad Mini 3.

 

[TechWhisperer]

Honestly, I’m kinda relieved none of the hardware upgrades this year are tempting enough to make me splurge. My wallet's happier than ever, and I’m still more than content with my 14 Pro, AWU2, APP2, and M4 iPad. No complaints here!

 

[GermanSuplex]

I'm not an APM super user by any means, but I'm failing to see the disappointment in the lack of update aside from "they're 4 years old". What's missing in the APM?

You can't say just "Siri" with the APM - you need to say "Hey Siri".

Not a big deal, but I have the AirPods Pro 2, Homepod, iPad and iPhone, all of which can be triggered with just "Siri", so sometimes, I'll have the Airpods Max on, forget they don't respond to "Siri, play some music", and then my Homepod starts playing instead.

It creates a disjointed Siri experience. It's a small thing but happens quite a bit for me.

 

[Attirex]

At least Apple's brand new platform, Vision Pro, got lots of love and marketing push yesterda--oh wait.

D O A

 

[russell_314]

I am just beyond annoyed they released this and the Ultra 2 and acted like they are new products. No point did they say the Ultra 2 is last years model with a new color.

I think the big hint was in the name. If it was a new model, why would they still keep the same name? For example, when they released the iPhone 16 they didn’t call it iPhone 15. That’s how we know it’s a new one.

Just like they didn’t call the USB-C AirPods Max, AirPods Max 2. I can understand the confusion because from the presentation, some people thought that there was a new version of AirPods Pro.

 

[Squozen]

I'm not an APM super user by any means, but I'm failing to see the disappointment in the lack of update aside from "they're 4 years old". What's missing in the APM?

A decent case. The ability to fold. A user-replaceable battery. The features provided by the H2 chip.

 

[sw1tcher]

A decent case. The ability to fold. A user-replaceable battery. The features provided by the H2 chip.

An H2 chip and less ridiculous looking case would have been an easy fix just like replacing lightning with USB-C. But making them foldable and have a user replaceable battery would require a complete redesign.

Not even updating it with an H2 is, if anything, pure laziness.

 

[iMac The Knife]

4 years later...you still get the bra case with AirPods Max, which is the worst implementation of an over the ear headphone case I've ever seen in my entire life.

 

[Stromos]

I think the big hint was in the name. If it was a new model, why would they still keep the same name? For example, when they released the iPhone 16 they didn’t call it iPhone 15. That’s how we know it’s a new one.

Just like they didn’t call the USB-C AirPods Max, AirPods Max 2. I can understand the confusion because from the presentation, some people thought that there was a new version of AirPods Pro.

You know the version numbers being an enthusiast. If you were watching that presentation wanting your first watch/headphones they 100% looked new.

Does this look like last years model on the front page of the Apple store with a coming soon?

Does this looks like a five year old product on the front page?

You know they aren't new, however, the masses logging into the Apple Store just see unreleased NEW products.

Five year old and one year old product with zero discounts full price and listed along side the actual new products. Unless you explicitly know that these products are old they are 100% being marketing as brand new.

 

[ddtmm]

In my opinion you can't beat the Sony XM5. Best on the market in that category.

 

[infinitejest]

Too many strong options out there to consider them anymore. Product is outdated.

Which one would you recommend? I just checked out the Sony XM5 and Bose quietcomfort ultra, which I really liked. Any other worth checking out?

 

[gleepskip]

Been waiting a year for this now debating just grabbing Bose QC ultra. Anyone recommend those over APM?

Likes: QCU weigh much less than APM and the clamp force is far better. ANC is very good. Audio sounds very nice to me. Great battery life. Power switch. USB-C. Collapsible. Comes with an actual storage case. PRICE.

Dislikes: QCU do not function while charging. It's clunky managing the Multi-point Bluetooth via the app; I wish they had a iOS widget or a hardware button option to switch devices.

Outcome: After owning the APM for years, they have become backup headphones to the APP2, which are backup to my QCU.

 

[longhorn2004]

Hey Macrumors, why not send an email to Apple's PR Dept and ask why the lack of love for the Max? It would be more entertaining and informative than Gurman's tweets.

 

[JulianL]

I've found the style of these Apple launches grating for the longest time - the over-the-top enthusiasm ("we're so excited" etc) about the smallest new feature, the selective use of data (e.g. comparing a new chip with one 2 generations old rather than with the latest generation), and often how slightly underwhelming what is being announced is - but I set aside those minor annoyances and watch every year to see what is coming out. This year though Apple took things to a whole new level when they announced the new AirPods Max. After 4 years they can't even be bothered to upgrade the electronics to include the H2 chip? At that point in the presentation I was so infuriated by Apple's lack of attention to the highest end of its wearable audio offering when it is supposed to be a company that is intent on delivering premium products that, as someone who does value high quality audio, it seriously felt like Apple was spitting in my face.

 

[teak421]

I was so bummed that a new model wasn't released. I've had mine for three years and was hoping for an upgrade.