AirPods Max have had a somewhat disappointing history since their highly anticipated release at the end of 2020. While many fans were eager to get their hands on these premium headphones, the initial excitement quickly turned into disappointment for some due to their steep price tag and the heavy aluminum and steel design. Since then, users have been eagerly awaiting a significant revamp that has yet to materialize.
Despite a minor refresh last year, which included a switch to a USB-C port and the introduction of new colors, the AirPods Max still lag behind Apple’s newer AirPods Pro 2 in terms of features. According to industry expert Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the situation for AirPods Max is quite complicated. While they continue to sell well enough for Apple to justify keeping them on the market, they are not popular enough to warrant significant investment in engineering resources for a comprehensive update.
As Gurman points out, the AirPods Max find themselves in a unique commercial position. They are too popular for Apple to discontinue, yet not popular enough to receive the extensive development needed for a new version. The recent rollout of the USB-C model was largely driven by EU requirements, rather than a strategic decision to enhance the product. Instead, it appears that Apple’s audio team is focusing its efforts on developing new AirPods earbuds and investing in speaker technology for other products.
Given that the AirPods Max have remained largely unchanged since their debut five years ago—aside from the USB-C upgrade—many fans are understandably disappointed. If you have been holding out for a new version of the AirPods Max, the outlook is not promising. According to Gurman, fans will "probably have to keep waiting." For those who enjoy the current model, a pair is available for purchase now for $519 on Amazon.
If the price of the AirPods Max doesn’t sit well with you, consider exploring alternative options such as the Beats Studio Pro, which retails for $179. These headphones offer many key Apple features in a lighter over-ear design, making them an attractive choice for those seeking quality without the hefty price tag.
In conclusion, it appears that Apple does not have a truly new AirPods Max model in the pipeline, much to the disappointment of eager fans. Whether you choose to stick with the current model or explore alternatives like the Beats Studio Pro, it's clear that Apple's focus is shifting toward other audio innovations while the AirPods Max remain stagnant.
For those looking to enhance their Apple experience, consider these accessory recommendations:
Anker MagSafe 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with Qi2 DualSense Wireless Controller for iPhone, iPad, and Mac gaming MOFT Magnetic Wallet Stand, fits up to 3 cards AirTag 4-pack (currently on sale for 20% off!) Anker MagSafe/Qi2 Ultra-Slim Battery Pack AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)