The AirPods Max are Apple's most expensive headphones and represent high-end technology, premium craftsmanship and impressive audio quality. But if you're hoping that Apple will soon release a revised version of these premium headphones with significant improvements, things are looking rather bleak at the moment. Insider information suggests that Apple has no concrete plans to redesign the AirPods Max in the near future.
When the AirPods Max came onto the market at the end of 2020, they caused a stir. Not only the high price but also the exceptional quality, the futuristic design and features such as active noise cancelling and transparency mode impressed. But since their release, there have been hardly any notable updates. Even the most recent mini update in September 2024 only brought minor changes: a USB-C charging port and new color options. Many users are wondering if and when a second generation with real innovations will follow.
No significant innovations planned
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, known for his reliable reports, said recently said that Apple currently has no "concrete plans" to give the AirPods Max a major overhaul. According to him, Apple will keep the headphones "in their current form for the foreseeable future." This means that you can't expect any groundbreaking innovations like new audio technologies or design changes for now.
Technical equipment remains unchanged
A major criticism of the AirPods Max is that they still feature the H1 chip. This chip was introduced back in 2019 and offers solid performance, but lags behind modern standards. The newer AirPods Pro 2 feature the H2 chip, which enables features like Adaptive Audio, optimized noise cancellation, and improved transparency. All of this is still missing from the AirPods Max. This means that the AirPods Max lag technologically behind the newer members of the AirPods family. Even the September update did not change this state of affairs.
Reasons for missing updates
According to Gurman, the sales figures of the AirPods Max could be a decisive factor. Despite their high quality, demand is apparently not high enough to make a comprehensive overhaul economically attractive for Apple. The company seems to prefer to focus its development resources on products that appeal to a wider audience, such as the iPhone or the AirPods Pro. Another point is the price. Although the AirPods Max have been on the market unchanged for three years, Apple is sticking to the original pricing of 579 euros - already on Amazon from 527 euros Apple itself has not made a price reduction that could make the headphones more attractive.
What this means for users
If you're waiting for the second generation of AirPods Max, you should definitely lower your expectations for major improvements. It doesn't look like Apple will be introducing any significant changes or new features anytime soon. Instead, the current version remains the only option if you want premium headphones from Apple. But that doesn't mean the AirPods Max are bad. They still offer excellent audio quality, a comfortable design, and high-quality materials. For many users, they're still a great choice despite their age - provided you're willing to to pay the high price.
No major updates, but still high quality: The AirPods Max in review
The AirPods Max will remain in their current form for the time being. Apple does not seem to have any plans to equip these premium headphones with any significant updates. If you are hoping for modern features such as Adaptive Audio or the H2 chip, you will be disappointed. Instead, Apple is focusing on consistency and sticking with the previous version. Should you still buy the AirPods Max? That depends on your expectations. If you value first-class sound, elegant design and high-quality wearing comfort, they are a good choiceHowever, if you are looking for the latest technology and more features, other models – such as the AirPods Pro 2 or even headphones from other manufacturers - may be the better option. Either way, one thing remains clear: anyone waiting for major innovations in the AirPods Max will have to be patient - or adjust their expectations. (Image: Apple)
