It looks like Apple will unveil the AirPods Max 2 at the iPhone 16 event in September. Here’s what to expect.
AirPods Max 2 coming in September
The iPhone 16 event is just a few weeks away, and there’s a hotly anticipated product that’s finally making it to the scene: AirPods Max 2. Apple has typically launched new AirPods at September events in the past, so the wait for the new AirPods Max should be over soon. Here’s what to expect from the AirPods Max 2.
New chip with powerful audio features
While the current AirPods Max are already quite expensive, they lack many of the features of the much more affordable AirPods Pro 2. That will change with the AirPods Max 2, which is expected to get a new chip, probably the H2 that’s also in the current AirPods Pro 2. This H2 chip brings powerful new audio features to AirPods Max that are currently exclusive to the Pro line. These include:
- Adaptive audio: combines Transparency and Noise Cancellation modes in response to ambient sounds.
- Conversation detection: Automatically lowers volume and isolates voices when a conversation is detected.
- Personalized volume: adjusts the volume to your environment.
Additionally, iOS 18 introduces a number of new features for AirPods Pro 2. If the AirPods Max 2 do indeed get the H2 chip, these features will likely be added as well:
- Gestures with your head: the ability to nod or shake your head to respond to Siri.
- Voice isolation: reduces loud background noise when you are on a call.
- Personalized spatial audio for gaming: Uses the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone to scan your face and ears, creating a personalized profile.
Charging via a USB C connection
Yet another reason to upgrade to the AirPods Max 2 in September: a USB-C port. Like all other Apple devices, the AirPods Max 2 ditches the existing Lightning port for a USB-C port. The same change is expected to come to the new AirPods 4, which are also likely to launch during the iPhone 16 event.
New colours
Apple is likely to introduce several new colors for the AirPods Max 2. The first-generation AirPods Max will come in five colors: Space Gray, Pink, Green, Silver and Sky blue. It’s not yet known what the new colors will be, but we expect a similar number of options.
The AirPods Max were launched in 2020 and since then colors have changed Midnight and Starlight has become fairly standard at Apple. So it’s quite possible we’ll see colors along those lines on the AirPods Max 2.
Alternative to the Smart Case
We can only speculate on this one. There are no firm rumors that Apple will replace the AirPods Max Smart Case. But four years is certainly long enough to come up with a better, hopefully more protective case for the AirPods Max. The original Smart Case was one of the biggest criticisms, so an improvement here is certainly not out of the question.
It’s also possible that the existing Smart Case design will remain, with a sturdier case launching as an optional accessory. That would make Apple more money, and it could also be suitable for anyone who owns the original AirPods Max.
We will know the price of the AirPods Max 2 in September
The original AirPods Max were released at a high price of 629 eurosNowadays you can buy them for around 520 euros. But with the arrival of competing options, the question arises whether Apple will charge just as much for the AirPods Max 2.
Apple’s comparable Beats Studio Pro costs 399 euros and you can now buy it for such a 280 euros at Amazon. For the Sonos Ace you initially paid 500 euros. In the meantime, the price has already dropped to 449 euros.
Could Apple charge €629 for the AirPods Max 2 again? In principle, yes, but we expect Apple to price it somewhere around the Sonos Ace. We’ll find out in September!
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