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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 reporting, recently said that Apple currently has no "concrete plans" to comprehensively redesign the AirPods Max. He estimates that Apple will keep the headphones "in their current form for the foreseeable future." This means 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 for the AirPods Max could be a deciding factor. Despite their high quality, demand is apparently not high enough to make a comprehensive overhaul economically viable for Apple. The company appears to prefer to focus its development resources on products that appeal to a broader audience, such as the iPhone or the AirPods Pro. Another issue 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 – available on Amazon starting at €527 . Apple itself has not made any price reductions that might make the headphones more attractive.
What this means for users
If you're waiting for the second-generation AirPods Max, you should significantly 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. That doesn't mean the AirPods Max are bad, though. 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 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 doesn't appear to have any plans to equip these premium headphones with any significant updates. If you're hoping for modern features like Adaptive Audio or the H2 chip, you'll be disappointed. Instead, Apple is focusing on consistency and sticking with the current version. Should you still buy the AirPods Max? That depends on your expectations. If you value top-notch sound, elegant design, and high-quality comfort, they're a good choice . However, if you're looking for the latest technology and more features, other models—like the AirPods Pro 2 or even headphones from other manufacturers—might be a 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)
