The AirPods Max were renewed by Apple in the fall of 2024, but it was a big disappointment. For example, Apple has only added USB-C and new colors. The H2 chip and associated audio functions are missing on the AirPods Max. This made the update very disappointing and the rumors were initially hopeful.
Unfortunately it has Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman to report bad news. In his newsletter he reports that Apple has no intentions of providing the AirPods Max with a major update with new audio functions for the time being.
No update for the time being for AirPods Max
The AirPods Max were renewed by Apple in the fall of 2024, but it was a big disappointment. For example, Apple has only added USB-C and new colors. The H2 chip and associated audio functions are missing on the AirPods Max.
Anyone who had hoped that Apple would provide the Max headphones with new options in the near future will be somewhat disappointed. According to Bloomberg, Apple has no plans to provide the AirPods Max with a major update in the coming years.
Not popular enough
According to Gurman, the AirPods Max are an ‘OK’ product in Apple’s range. The headphones are being sold, but things are not going very well. This would make investing in a new model too expensive.
No H2 chip
It is remarkable that Apple has not added a new processor to the headphones, as the H2 chip has already been developed and is used by, among others, the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4. In theory, it could easily be added to the headphones. This could have given the AirPods Max useful new audio features in one fell swoop, including: Improved noise cancellation, adaptive audio, call detection and personalized volume.
Previous AirPods Max rumors
In recent years, several rumors have appeared about a new generation of AirPods Max. It remains to be seen whether we will ever see this again in headphones. Mark Gurman says we shouldn’t expect a new version for a while and that it could take a few years.
H2 chip with many extras
The AirPods Pro 2nd generation introduced the H2 headphone chip with additional benefits. Hopefully Apple will use this chip in the AirPods Max 2nd generation, as it will immediately provide the following benefits:
- Improved noise cancellation thanks to faster processor that blocks noise before it reaches the ear.
- Adaptive audio: Automatically adjusts transparency mode and noise cancellation in response to ambient sounds.
- Call Detection: Automatically lowers volume, activates transparency mode and isolates voices when a person talks to you or you start a call.
- Personalized volume: fully automatically adjusts the volume to your environment.
Since iOS 18, the AirPods Pro 2nd generation have new audio functions made possible thanks to the H2 chip, these are audio functions that are also desirable for the AirPods Max. This concerns the following options:
- Head gestures: Nod your head yes or no to respond to Siri.
- Voice isolation: reduces background noise during a phone call.
- Personalized spatial audio for gaming: Using the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone, scan your face and ears to create a personalized spatial audio profile.
- Enhanced wireless audio transmission while gaming on an iPhone or iPad, including 16-bit 48 kHz audio for voice.
Lossless support
In recent years, there have been several rumors that the AirPods Max 2nd generation would receive 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 This may change with the AirPods Max 2. Earlier alluded to Apple’s Gary Geaves 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 new adaptive transparency mode, ambient noise is better filtered and transmitted. For example, if a siren sounds, the sound is transmitted less loudly.
Smart case
In addition to an internal adjustment, there is also a chance that Apple will tackle the Smart Case of the Max. There was a lot of criticism, especially when the model was introduced, because it did not provide enough protection. With any luck, the AirPods Max will also have 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
Availability of AirPods Max 2
When we can expect the AirPods Max 2nd generation is a big question. Bloomberg suspects that Apple will not launch new premium headphones in the coming years. A new version may not appear for another three or four years, at least if Apple decides to continue with the AirPods Max.