For me it's primarily stuff like the case, the choice of materials making them quite heavy and the condensation issues apparently bricking APM (tbf, the last one's not just an APM thing).
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
AirPods Max Still Lack H2 Chip Following Minor Update With USB-C Port and New Colors
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I don't think it'll come that soon, but I wouldn't be surprised if an actual APM 2 was less than a year away. Like a spring/early summer '25 drop.
COURAGE!!!
Attractive aesthetics, lighter weight, included cables, a carrying case that isn’t a joke. To name a few.
Although I am somewhat surprised that Apple chose not to make any significant updates to the AirPod Max, e.g. H2 chip etc. (although I am not really sure how it would improve things for my use of the headphones), the only semi serious issues I had were the Lightning connection for charging and the need to put them in their so called 'case' to get them to turn off and not waste battery power.
Their performance is, and remains, very good and in line with headphones at this price. So for me they addressed one of the issues (I will not be upgrading to get a USB C charging port, it is not that much of a problem) but not the other issue I mentioned. So I tend to agree that this was a very minor spec change and not worthy of a mention in the presentation. The lack of a power off option on the headset is still a problem for me, but I can deal with it. I neither needed nor wanted a major change to their fit, finish and, most importantly, the sound of these headphones.
The angst about the lack of a serious upgrade leaves me a little non plussed to be honest.
Their performance is, and remains, very good and in line with headphones at this price. So for me they addressed one of the issues (I will not be upgrading to get a USB C charging port, it is not that much of a problem) but not the other issue I mentioned. So I tend to agree that this was a very minor spec change and not worthy of a mention in the presentation. The lack of a power off option on the headset is still a problem for me, but I can deal with it. I neither needed nor wanted a major change to their fit, finish and, most importantly, the sound of these headphones.
The angst about the lack of a serious upgrade leaves me a little non plussed to be honest.
This was literally only even introduced to put a nail in the coffin of lighting connectors. They had to comply with EU demands and it makes no sense to keep making the cables or any products for those connectors.
What's missing? Oh, just every improvement in audio quality, ANC and standards like Bluetooth that was made over the last four years. Other than that, nothing much. The original APM was released at a super premium price (compared to main competitors like Sony and Bose) because it represented the best, most cutting edge headphone that Apple was capable of producing, easily eclipsing anything else in the AirPods lineup. The, cough, "new" APM retains the super premium price but no longer represents the best of anything, even among AirPods. I mean, c'mon, how hard would it have been to at least spec bump it to the H2 chip that AirPods Pro has had for 2 years... or really surprise us with a next gen H3!... and update it to the latest Bluetooth standard, not the one from 4 years ago. How about an actual on/off button, finally, and ditto for an ability to use it in wired mode. The APM 2 is a huge missed opportunity with an insulting price tag to match.
I bought the OG AirPods Max when they 1st came out. Paid full price. They still sound great and are super comfortable for me. I love the case that takes 5 seconds to put on. No regrets. If my batteries eventually die, I’ll replace them with a new pair. 👍🏻
Same. I bought them on day 1, but have mostly stopped using them--and never take them when I travel any longer--because the AirPods Pro 2 equal the APM in ANC and are very close in sound quality, all in a tiny package that takes up no room. And that's my point: if that's what Apple can now achieve in a device as small as the APP 2, imagine what could be possible with the larger APM now if Apple made a serious upgrade effort. Well, I guess we'll never know. APM is still a very good set of headphones... for like $299. Charging $549 for four-year-old tech and specs is ludicrous. I would never pay that price for them now.
Quite happy that they didnt do a meaningful upgrade, getting my moneys worth out of my day 1 set.
Yep, what I also counted. I know it was an iPhone event, but for a brand-new platform that is supposedly The Future, not a good sign.
Inflation adjusted, the Airpods Max should cost $630 now.
So, from Apple's standpoint they are delivering a more future oriented product with the USB-C port and effectively lowering the price by 13%.
That said, I've bought two pairs of APMs now. I use them every weekday, and I do think this update is very, very weak.
Got my AirPods Max this year while on sale at, $449. They are phenomenal headphones! These are what Steven Wilson uses for listening and his remastering work. Gotta say if they are good enough for Steven…
I like my AirPods Max for home use, they are great when I’m feeling ill and in bed for 12 hours. I agree the Airpods Pros are great for what they do, but for really long listening sessions I prefer the Max. Unlike most people on this forum I‘m fine with how they are priced. 👍🏻
Just out of curiosity. What’s outdated about them since they updated it to USB-C? I mean, they’ve still got excellent ANC, battery life, and sound.
The Sony MDR-7506s I have haven’t been updated in decades, are still being sold, and they still sound incredible. Not seeing the problem here.
Some folks gauge their happiness by having the newest Apple stuff. When it’s such a small change, you’d think folks would be happy that they can save their money? But no, they REALLY wanna buy something!
They are wired and not bluetooth. They also sound bland and have zero bass
Last edited:
They’re able to handle +-12dB of EQing without distorting to solve your bass problem. Same for treble. They’re very EQable to fit any sound profile. They’re a staple and still around for a reason. Flat if you want good studio headphones to be able to hear detail and able to handle being pushed in the EQ for a sound you enjoy.
Wireless vs wired has nothing to do with the Max supposedly being outdated. Last I checked BT hasn’t been improved that much in the last few years and Apple isn’t tapping into the audio profiles it could anyway, instead, relying on their own.
Last edited:
I just ordered the Sonos Ace yesterday (I'm not in the Sonos ecosystem if that helps), not really pushing for it but if you are looking for a recommendation I think you can check that out too, feels like the best of both worlds between AirPods Max + XM5 for me personally
It’s pretty curious that the APM didn’t receive the H2 chip. The only way I can make sense of it is that Apple is saving it for a bigger update on the horizon, and they just wanted/needed to do an interim update for USBC. If the APM doesn’t receive a more substantial update in the next year or so, then the only conclusion in my mind is Apple doesn’t see the APM as important and may even discontinue it.
This is highly subjective. I have some very high end headphones and although they have some benefits they are not infinitely superior to the Apple Air Pod Max headphones. The current Sony MX4 headphones and Bose QC Ultra headphones are not better than the Apple AirPod Max in my opinion and I also have a pair of Focal Utopia headphones which are amazing but the Apple AirPods Max still hold their own for the money you pay.
I start with sound quality as perceived and not the theorectically specs used to transmit the data to the headphones. Do I wish I could use something other than Airplay to deliver data to the headphone, yes, but Apple manage to produce an excellent balance and transparency along with amazing noise cancelling capabilities. Not an easy balance especially when compared to the bass heavy Sony MX4 s and the 'mushy' Bose sound (BTW they are not unpleasant just not anywhere close to HIFI). Let's be honest here, the improvements that might be delivered by the H2 chip will probably have little to do with sound quality but a lot to do with having the 'latest thing''. Do I have any issue connecting with my iPhone, Mac or iPad? No. Can I experience any of the spatial audio effects, some but not all. But I am not interested in processed sound images. Just give me the music as recorded unprocessed and without color. Again all subjective and this represents my view only.
Last edited:
And, think of all the folks that just got a good deal on the lightning version for $399, there’s no difference other than how it charges
