Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, saw a minor refresh in September 2024 with the addition of a USB-C charging port and new color options. However, beyond these cosmetic updates, there is little for fans to celebrate. Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate that Apple has no “concrete plans” for further hardware revisions to the AirPods Max in the foreseeable future. This revelation has dampened expectations for enthusiasts who hoped for meaningful upgrades like the H2 chip or enhanced noise cancellation.

Introduced in December 2020, the AirPods Max debuted with features such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio, a unique “digital crown” control mechanism, and up to 20 hours of battery life. Despite their strong sound quality and Apple ecosystem integration, the $549 price tag placed the headphones in a challenging market position. Rivals like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Bose’s 700 headphones offer comparable audio experiences at significantly lower prices, making the AirPods Max a niche product from the outset.

The 2024 refresh skipped over critical technological updates. The absence of Apple’s H2 chip, which powers features like Adaptive Audio in the AirPods Pro 2, leaves the AirPods Max lagging behind in terms of innovation. Gurman notes that while the headphones have not flopped, their sales are not robust enough to justify significant investment. Industry analysts have reported modest sales figures, with estimates suggesting fewer than a million units sold annually since their launch. This tepid market performance highlights the product’s limited appeal compared to Apple’s wildly popular AirPods earbuds.

Apple’s decision to retain the AirPods Max in its current form reflects a strategic hesitancy. While the tech giant has no plans to discontinue the headphones, it appears content to leave them unchanged for now. This approach may disappoint users who expected noise cancellation, battery life, or durability improvements—issues such as condensation buildup under the earcups remain unaddressed. The high price point further compounds the problem, as potential buyers may find better value in competing products.

Despite the challenges, the AirPods Max continue to have a presence in Apple’s lineup, catering to a niche audience that appreciates their design and ecosystem integration. However, those holding out for a second-generation AirPods Max with meaningful upgrades may have to wait several years. Gurman speculates that Apple may eventually deliver a refresh, but not before reassessing market conditions and consumer demand.

(via Bloomberg)

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