Apple’s AirPods Max could also be getting a bit lengthy within the tooth, however that doesn’t imply they’ve gotten any worth reductions. Actually, not solely do Apple’s premium cans nonetheless usually promote for his or her authentic $549 price ticket, however gross sales on them are so much much less widespread than you’d assume.
Therefore, right this moment’s information that Amazon has them on sale for $450 (a reduction that’s additionally being matched by Finest Purchase) could possibly be welcome information for individuals who would possibly nonetheless be eyeballing the premium headphones. It’s the primary important low cost we’ve seen in months, however it nonetheless raises the query of whether or not the ageing AirPods Max are price shopping for even on the cheaper price.
In any case, many people have been anticipating Apple to launch a brand new model of its over-ear headphones for some time now, which some rumors have mentioned would possibly acquire a refined design and spectacular options like lossless audio. If these are proper across the nook, ready would possibly make extra sense.
Then there’s the brand new Beats Studio Professional, a set of headphones that does nearly all the pieces the AirPods Max can do — and presumably even a number of issues they will’t. They’re arguably not as fashionable because the smooth aluminum AirPods Max, however they do include a considerably cheaper price tag.
What We Know concerning the ‘AirPods Max 2’
Whereas there’s a very good probability Apple will launch a brand new model of the AirPods Max later this 12 months, current experiences recommend they gained’t be as revolutionary as some earlier rumors hinted. Actually, the updates could also be so minor that they gained’t even be thought-about a second-generation mannequin.
Whereas we’ve heard hints of a sportier model of the AirPods Max, it appears Apple handed that undertaking over to its Beats division, which is probably going what in the end turned the Beats Studio Professional. Different options like contact controls and higher-fidelity audio codecs don’t appear to be making the minimize for the next-generation AirPods Max, both.
As a substitute, what we must be anticipating to see, based on Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, is a minor refresh that may give them the USB-C remedy and a few new colours. Gurman says the high-end cans simply don’t promote nicely sufficient for Apple to justify any important analysis and growth bills, so it’s content material to go away them principally as-is.
The transfer to USB-C may probably supply wired digital audio enter, opening the door to wired lossless audio, however there’s no indication that wi-fi audio will enhance in any significant method past the 256kbps AAC codec that’s been the norm on Apple’s AirPods.
It stands to cause that Apple might also improve the AirPods Max to make use of the identical H2 chip at present used solely in its newest AirPods Professional. That can in all probability come to your complete AirPods lineup this 12 months, delivering assist for a number of the new iOS 17 options like Adaptive Audio. These are arguably extra of a nice-to-have function on full-sized headphones in comparison with Apple’s sportier and extra transportable AirPods Professional.
The underside line is that whereas the following set of AirPods Max could supply a number of small enhancements, they’re not essentially price ready for. Whereas the present AirPods Max are nonetheless a bit dear, even at $450, they ship distinctive sound with wonderful noise cancellation, Spatial Audio assist, 20 hours of listening time on a single cost, and the identical tight integration with the Apple ecosystem as the remainder of the AirPods household, together with “Hey Siri” and seamless switching between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]