Gurman: Apple Not Working on Second-Generation AirPods Max, But Has Considered New Colors

In a report focused on upcoming third-generation AirPods and second-generation AirPods Pro, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman added that Apple has yet to start working on second-generation AirPods Max, although he said the company has discussed launching additional color variations for the over-ear headphones in the future.

airpods max blue
The relevant bit from the report:

The last AirPods-related hardware introduction from Apple was the over-ear AirPods Max headphones in December. That $549 pair earned criticism for bugs and its high price but praise for its materials and sound. Apple only recently caught up with demand for the product, and it is not currently working on a second generation of the AirPods Max, though it has discussed launching additional color variations in the future.

AirPods Max are currently available in Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink, although interchangeable ear cushions allow for many color combinations. Prior to the AirPods Max being announced, Gurman said Apple also planned to make the headband interchangeable, but the company ultimately decided against that idea.

Launched in December 2020 for $549, the AirPods Max are high-end wireless over-ear headphones, with key features including premium sound quality with Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode, an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup for seamless integration with Apple devices, and more.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Neutral)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...

Top Rated Comments

diego.caraballo Avatar
61 months ago
Airpods Max are the new HomePod
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kardinal1911 Avatar
61 months ago

I hate to say this but apple isn’t the brand we all once knew and loved, they keep making products that don’t do well, and upgrades are never that great, I think they focus more on other stuff now days than making great products
AirPods Max Are phenomenal headphones… Airtag phenomenal product, Apple still makes amazing products and AirPods Max Will do well
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samlikesmac Avatar
61 months ago
No second gen in development because Apple can’t figure out how to stream lossless audio to wireless headphone lol. Only kidding.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
otternonsense Avatar
61 months ago

Airpods Max are the new HomePod
Called it a few months ago ;)

That's what you get when you design products in a vacuum chamber and take 4 years to release a one-off expensive something that doesn't even have an ON/OFF button.

PS. And it's a shame, because the AirPods line overall has massive appeal and potential. Is there any more proof to Apple's aimlessness in product direction?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kylo83 Avatar
61 months ago
I hate to say this but apple isn’t the brand we all once knew and loved, they keep making products that don’t do well, and upgrades are never that great, I think they focus more on other stuff now days than making great products
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fromsixtozero Avatar
61 months ago
It´s crazy..I bought sony 1000XM3 for 200 bucks and these are almost 3x times as expensive with ugly case, heavy, can´t be turned off, 10 hour shorter battery life...do people really buy these?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)