Yes, we know, it is one more disappointment about this product, which in the September Keynote was only announced with new colorswithout leaving a trace of a new generation of the product.
Apple does not renew the AirPods Max
The AirPods Max, launched in December 2020 with an initial price of 629 euros, surprised at the time due to their sophisticated design, active noise cancellation (ANC) and perfect integration with the Apple ecosystem. However, since then, the competition has advanced by leaps and bounds.
In September 2024, Apple made a slight update to the AirPods Max, replacing the Lightning connector with a USB-C port and adding new colors. But beyond these aesthetic and functional modifications, the main hardware of the headphones was not renewed. The AirPods Max continue to use the H1 chipwhile other products from the company, such as the second generation AirPods Pro, already incorporate the most advanced, the new H2 chip.
Mark Gurman, through his newsletter Power Onassures that Apple has “no real plans to significantly update the AirPods Max.” The reasons behind this decision seem to be related to the sales of the product: although they are not a failure, the figures do not justify a significant investment to develop a completely new model.
On the other hand, the premium headphone segment has evolved considerably in recent years. Competitors like Bose and Sony have released models with superior noise cancellation technologies, better sound quality, and a more competitive price. This has left the AirPods Max in a compromised position in the market, especially considering their high price.
The main attraction of the AirPods Max remains its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, something that no other manufacturer can match. The ability to switch between devices such as an iPhone, iPad or Mac instantly is a key advantage for the brand’s users.
However, outside of this feature, the AirPods Max are starting to fall behind in terms of innovation. Its noise cancellation and sound quality, which were strong points at its launch, now pale in comparison to the new competing models.
With the current panorama, many experts believe that Apple should adjust the price of the AirPods Max to make them more attractive. A cut of about 100 euros could better justify your purchase, positioning them as a viable option within the premium headphone segment.
In comparison, options like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offer equal or better performance for significantly lower prices. This situation raises an important question: can Apple maintain interest in the AirPods Max without a relevant update or price reduction?
What can we expect in the future?
Although the current rumors are not encouraging for AirPods Max fans, that does not mean that Apple has closed the door on a future renewal. At the moment, it seems that the company is focusing its resources on products with greater demand, such as the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro, which have received constant updates in recent years.
The lack of immediate plans for the AirPods Max 2 doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the line, but it does reflect a shift in Apple’s priorities. For those looking for premium headphones today, the alternatives outside the Apple ecosystem They might be a better option.
If Apple does not act soon, the AirPods Max could be relegated to being a niche product, intended exclusively for the most loyal users of the brand. Will it be enough to stay relevant in the competitive world of premium audio? Only time will tell.
