Apple’s over-ear headphones took a long time to come to fruition, long after the initial rumors predicted them. It looks like the sequel is on its way, so should you wait for it, or buy the current model now? Here’s what we know.
AirPods Max 2 Name And Release Date
It’s highly unlikely that there’ll be a number 2 in the name, though you never know. Almost certainly, the next over-ears will be called AirPods Max 2nd Generation, which is the same naming format that Apple used when it updated the AirPods and AirPods Pro.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, a few weeks ago, the next Max headphones will be with us next year. But if you’re getting fidgety for them now, practice patience. Gurman says we should brace ourselves for a release in “late 2024”. That fits with the release of the first pair, which went on sale in December 2020. On the other hand, that means it would be around four years since the originals, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it came earlier.
What’s New: Physical Connections
In the same post, Gurman describes the next headphones as “with USB-C.” Well, this is hardly a surprise. There are still likely to be iPhones with Lightning connectors still on sale this time next year, in the form of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus as the oldest iPhones in the range (unless the current iPhone SE is also hanging around). Even so, I’d be astonished if Apple released another product with Lightning. Mind you, I was taken aback when the new iMac accessories had Lightning sockets, so you can’t be certain.
Assuming it is USB-C, and I’m sure it will be, it’s likely that the USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable that will let you plug your headphones into a plane’s inflight entertainment, for instance, will still be a separate accessory.
What’s New: Electronic Connections
The current AirPods Max don’t support Bluetooth 5.3, unlike the AirPods Pro and latest iPhones. Bluetooth 5.3 brings a more reliable connection and is less demanding in terms of power. It’ll be very surprising if it’s not on board the AirPods Max 2nd-gen model.
Even more surprising would be if the next AirPods Max didn’t upgrade the processor on board to at least the H2 chip found on AirPods Pro. However, some analysts, including Mark Gurman say that’s not on the cards. Timing may play a part in this but to be honest, leaving the fastest chip out of the priciest AirPods seems strange to me, and I think it won’t prove to be the case. Similarly, I think Apple will work the Ultra Wideband U2 chip into the next headphones.
What’s New: Design
I’d be surprised if the design changes at all from what we see now, except for one element: the color. Almost always, Apple updates the color range on its products, even if only to subtly tweak them. Let’s hope they keep the elegant blue and sultry green options in the range.
Maybe one other thing could change: since the first headphones went on sale, there’s been criticism of the wraparound case that comes with the AirPods Max. In Apple’s move to reduce silicon in its products, I think it might take the opportunity to redesign the case, too.
Should You Wait Or Buy Now?
The current headphones look and sound tremendous, so, don’t hold back if you’re itching to buy them now. It’s a long time until late next year.
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