In contrast to the iPhones and iPads, Apple is in principle in no hurry to update its wireless headphones. And that’s exactly why we haven’t seen the 2nd Gen AirPods Max yet. But if we follow Apple’s release cycle, we won’t have to wait too long for the Apple AirPods Max 2 over-ear headphones. Here is our information on the design, launch date, specifications and price:
When will the AirPods Max 2 be released?
Although the AirPods Max already two years ago came onto the market, the successor to the headphones has not yet appeared. Only a few details have also become known about the design and the new functions of the premium headphones. Nevertheless, we can list other important information for you that should interest you.
The AirPods Max were released in early December 2020. That means the over-ears are now more than two years old and almost overdue to be replaced. When you consider that competitors like Sony didn’t take that long to announce the WH-1000XM5 have waited, then there is a tight spot in Cupertino.
Expect Apple to unveil the AirPods Max 2 at the upcoming WWDC in June next year, or even at a separate event. The Cupertino-based company could also be present at a later date at the end of 2023 together with the Announcing the iPhone 15 decide.
What will be the new features of the AirPods Max 2?
Apple has tightly closed the lid when it comes to the unannounced features and specs of the ANC-enabled AirPods Max 2. However, we can assume that based on the AirPods Pro 2 notable hardware and software upgrades are obtained.
Design, connection and touch controls
The current AirPods Max headphones feature a proprietary Lightning connector, but that could be replaced with USB-C. Apple has already started incorporating the universal charging port into its devices to accommodate the new Standardization Act in Europe to be fair. The AirPods Max 2 will likely benefit from the faster charging speeds that the newer standard brings.
Another case is Apple’s introduction of touch controls on the second-generation over-ears. The first AirPods Max featured a row of buttons in both earcups that can be used to control tracks or switch to different modes. We cannot exclude that this advanced touch control technology will replace the old buttons. The same applies to those already mentioned ultrasonic sensors.
The Apple AirPods Max 2 could be equipped with the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro 2 / © Apple
It’s also possible that the concept of interchangeable colored earcups will come to fruition in the next generation of AirPods Max. Apple considered designing the original headphones to allow users to swap out the earcups. The chances that this is possible with the AirPods Max 2 are now significantly greater.
Other features and specifications of the AirPods Max 2
Similar to the AirPods Pro 2, Apple could also equip the upcoming earphones with a powerful H2 audio chip as well as improved drivers and amplifiers. A newer Bluetooth 5.3 protocol could be paired with this chip, although an LC3 or LE codec is unlikely after a senior Apple engineer said Apple still has a few years to go stick to SBC and AAC will.
Other tow improvements are evident, such as: B. a long-lasting battery, waterproof protection, an adaptive transparency mode and better noise cancellation. Of course, none of this will come without a price shock to the loyal Apple community.
Apple’s ultrasonic touch sensor on a pair of headphones / © Patently Apple
How much will the AirPods Max 2 cost? Will there also be an AirPods Max SE?
Information about the price of the AirPods Max 2 is still scarce. We can only make a comparison with the Max 1, which costs 549 euros. With inflation and price turmoil caused by chip shortages, Apple’s AirPods Max 2 could see a potential price hike at launch.
There are rumors that a cheaper version will be introduced alongside the Max model. According to Apple leaker Jon Prosser, this could be a sporty “SE” model with a price of “only” 350 euros. However, it’s still too early to tell how this model will differ from the Max model.
What features are you most looking forward to in the AirPods Max 2? Should Apple add support for high-resolution codecs? Let us know what you think in the comments section.