The AirPods are a huge success and many owners use the wireless earphones with pleasure. The AirPods Max is also loved, despite being quite expensive and equipped with a strange Smart Case. When we can expect the second generation of these headphones is currently unclear.
Several rumors state that Apple will release a new AirPods Max model in 2024, but it is not 100% certain what exactly will be renewed, newer colors, improved noise cancellation and perhaps a new smart case are expected. But it could also all be disappointing and that only a USB-C connection is added.
AirPods Max 2nd Gen
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Apple will not release a second-generation AirPods Max until the second half of 2024. He himself thinks that in the worst case scenario, this could be further delayed until the first half of 2025.
In addition to a new generation of AirPods Max, Kuo believes Apple will also launch a new HomePod mini and cheaper AirPods during this period.
AirPods Max 2 Innovations
According to the latest rumors, the AirPods Max 2nd generation would get support for high-quality Lossless audio for Apple Music.
The higher quality music simply cannot be played due to the limitations of Bluetooth. According to Ming-Chi Kuo That may change with the AirPods Max 2. Earlier Apple’s Gary Geaves hinted already to Apple’s own wireless protocol that will enable lossless on wireless devices.
As with the AirPods Pro 2, noise cancellation may be improved by the H2 processor and the location of the microphones. With the Pro, this filters twice as much sound. With the renewed adaptive transparency mode, ambient noise is better filtered and transmitted. For example, if a siren sounds, the sound is transmitted less loudly.
USB-C
It is also almost certain that Apple will add USB-C to the Max. By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, cameras, earphones and other portable devices must be able to be charged with a single type of cable, the USB-C connector. This has been agreed by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the individual member states.
New AirPods Max colors
According to various rumors, the colors of AirPods Max will be renewed anyway. Currently, you can buy the Max in the colors Space Gray, Silver, Green, Pink and Sky Blue. It is likely that the AirPods headphones will be provided with the current iPad Air and iPad mini colors including a new color starlight, blue, pink and purple.
Smart case
In addition to an internal adjustment, there is also a chance that Apple will tackle the Smart Case, the cover, of the Max. There was a lot of criticism about this, especially when the model was introduced, because it does not offer enough protection. With a bit of luck, the AirPods Max will also get support for MagSafe.
Possible other improvements
- Support for Bluetooth 5.3
- U2 chip for precise searching via Find My AirPods
- Skin detection sensor so the headphones know when you put them on and take them off