The AirPods Max aren't the cheapest wireless headphones around but very few owners of them are disappointed by their purchase. Apple gets away with its $549 asking price because AirPods Max are pretty great in every way.
Our Apple AirPods Max review is pretty conclusive: Our reviewer decisively called the AirPods Max "the best headphones that I currently own."
However, like everything else, the AirPods Max can get better. In what way though? When will we get new AirPods Max and what they will be like? If, like us, you're keen to know the answer, we're going to try our best to answer that.
Granted, we don't know everything about AirPods Max 2. Solid information continues to be hard to come by. There are some bits and pieces out there though, even if WWDC 2023 didn't reveal any details we were craving.
Here's everything we know about AirPods Max 2 so far, along with some shrewd educated guesses based on Apple's recent audio releases.
AirPods Max 2: Release date
The biggest question is when will we even see new AirPods Max? Back in January 2023, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo declared that he expected Apple to launch the next version of its best headphones towards the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025. That's still a long time away.
It's worth remembering that the first AirPods Max were unveiled in December 2020 but that doesn't automatically mean the next revision will emerge December 2024. There's no official pattern here just yet, but it is a glimmer of possibility.
(4/5)The next-generation AirPods will likely begin mass shipments in 2H24 or 1H25, including more affordable AirPods (with Apple targeting a price of $99) and new AirPods Max, which will be assembled by Luxshare ICT and Hon Teng.January 12, 2023
AirPods Max 2 colors
The current model of AirPods Max ship in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green. It's one of the more defining features behind the popular headphones, alongside its impressive ANC and Transparency mode.
We know from Apple's other products that it likes to add new colors over time and, often, within different generations. That could be the case with the AirPods Max 2.
Space Gray is a prime candidate for change because Apple often tweaks what that color actually is. Then we could maybe see the other colors change to better complement Apple's other products at the time. Think iPhone 16 rather than iPhone 15 given the potential timeline involved.
Although, back in May 2021, Apple was rumored to be adding new colorways to the existing AirPods Max lineup but it's yet to happen.
AirPods Max and USB-C
The AirPods Max 2 may have a hard time in terms of changes. That's because the original headphones are so popular that improvements are going to have to be huge to be noticeable.
The main change that we've heard of so far is a predictable one -- a move to a USB-C port.
It's already been all but confirmed that the iPhone 15 will have a USB-C port due to the EU's mandate that phones must use a common charger. It kicks in at the end of 2024 so it's perfect timing for the AirPods Max 2.
Right now the AirPods Max use the same Lightning port that you'll find on an iPhone 14, so that needs to change.
AirPods Max 2: New features
How the AirPods Max 2 may differ from the AirPods Max could stem from features missing from the original. The OG AirPods Max were rumored to have interchangeable headbands but the feature didn't emerge. A teardown of the headphones hinted that custom headbands were planned, but didn't make the cut. Could Apple try again?
Rumors suggested that Apple intended to allow people to swap out headbands and ear cups like they do with Apple Watch bands. The headband is easy to replace after all. There haven't been any rumors this time around, but it feels like an Apple move. Selling different bands and ear cups to match the season and appeal to influencers and those with a particular aesthetic? Surely it'll happen?
You can of course buy replacement ear cups right now, but they're sold more as a replacement for worn-out older pairs than as a fashion statement.
AirPods Max 2: Audio improvements
It seems incredibly likely we'll see Apple's latest and greatest audio chip -- the H2.
With the H2 in use, we should see an improved Transparency mode including the Adaptive Transparency mode that the AirPods Pro 2 offers. It protects a wearer's hearing when a loud sound happens around them, thereby stopping them from being defeated.
Conversation Boost could also come to the AirPods Pro, helping people focus on the person that is talking to them.
AirPods Max 2: Battery life
Battery life is a contentious issue with pretty much all devices. The AirPods Max 2 could see its battery life improved, along with sweat and water resistance that we already see on other AirPods models.
Currently, AirPods Max run for up to 20 hours on a single charge, with a five minute charge providing 1.5 hours of listening time. Some competitors have superior battery life so any increase would be welcome, although not strictly necessary for many people.
We could also see MagSafe charging although it's trickier to see how that could work unless Apple decides to revamp the case that comes with the headphones.
AirPods Max 2: Price
Apple has increased the price of many of its products over time, especially internationally, so we can't see there being a price cut with the AirPods Max 2.
Instead, we're hopeful for the current $549 price to remain so it can be competitive against other headphones in the same price range. However, improved features and materials could see a small price increase.
In 2020, there were rumors of a budget "sport" AirPods Max option, but that hasn't come about. Since then, there's been no new information so we're assuming there'll continue to be just one AirPods Max model.
