Why Apple Isn't Making New AirPods Max Anytime Soon

[HiFifreak]

according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman : " If it rains the third tuesday in september, christmas will be in december ".

 

[frownface]

They could add features the AirPods Pro gen 2 have, make them lighter, latest chips, improved case etc. Would it break their bank account to do as such? Mature players in mature markets can also be lazy. Apple’s influence in the world of audio cannot be understated. I think they can make the Max better than it is today and would love a pair that is lighter and on par with my gen 2 Pros in features.

Y'know you're absolutely right. I can't believe i defended apple in this regard.

 

[svish]

Think it will be a very minor update whenever it is getting a refresh. New colors along with a H2 or newer chip and some audio quality improvements. Think there will not be any change in price tag.

 

[Eyebeemania]

Way too heavy and looked ridiculously dated the second they were released.

I find them comfortable enough, but I've moved away from Wireless headphones/buds and gone for a wired solution with a DAC so I can listen to hi-res FLAC and DSD files.

 

[throAU]

Huh? Sonys are much better, but yes, your ear may be leaning towards Apple... Even the XM4 (same time) was better and we are now 2 gens after.

I have WH1000XM4 and yes, they were less than half the price from memory and I'm happy with them.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I just picked up a preowned set of Bose QC Ultra Headphones.

Man are these fantastic. So light and comfortable and it's absolutely lovely to have some EQ ability!

ANC is off the charts good also.

I had and enjoyed APMs for a few years.
Those need an update at this point.

 

[tsa1]

I’m okay with this. Headphones don’t need new versions every other year. I would like to see redesigned drivers to add more treble extension (which the current ones) lack, but I think they sound decent for a closed back.

 

[SUPERBIF]

Because you can get Sony XM6's for less money and they're way better.

Why are they better. Do Sony support Apples Spatial Audio which is what I use mine for and they are very impressive.

 

[Masterstroke]

That was also my point a couple of days ago. Is there an alternative that's at least as good in this respect? I'd love it if I could find a more comfortable headphone that could match the Max.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Apple is run by spreadsheets first, innovation second. They have done a tremendous job with AirPods. They are not willing to make that effort with over - ears and it is a shame. We no longer have Airport routers because of this mentality. Yet, imagine what they could have incorporated in such a device, and expanded to be so much more, (built in HomePod and TV as well as smart home stuff and device backups), if they actually had some vision at the top that doesn’t involve cells and grids on a digital math book.

You claim "Apple is run by spreadsheets first, innovation second... ... if they actually had some vision at the top that doesn’t involve cells and grids on a digital math book."

I would suggest that perhaps there is "some vision at the top" that logically sees no reason to upgrade AirPods max 2025/2026 to equal Bose, Beats and Sony. AirPods Max weigh 50% more than either Bose, Beats or Sony and cost almost 3x what Sony cost. Where would be the Apple value add?

Apple specializes in being technically better than the other guys, so my guess is that the "vision at the top" sees the tech for that as not happening for at least a year. Makes sense to me for Apple to focus resources on owning the Airpods Pro market space.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

This this and this.

At $549 they are nearly the price of a low end Mac Mini (The mini is cheaper on Amazon right now for $499). That’s a ludicrous price for a pair of consumer headphones.

No, US$549 is not "a ludicrous price for a pair of consumer headphones." The high end is the high end and that is what the high end costs.

Feel free to buy the better value of the lower end. But do not claim the high end should not exist; it does exist. Note that Bose also sells similar $549 cans. Also note that IMO the price of some desktop computer has no relevance at all.

 

[User 6502]

No, US$549 is not "a ludicrous price for a pair of consumer headphones." The high end is the high end and that is what the high end costs.

Feel free to buy the better value of the lower end. But do not claim the high end should not exist; it does exist. Note that Bose also sells similar $549 cans. Also note that IMO the price of some desktop computer has no relevance at all.

Except they are not actually high end.