AirPods Max Still Lack H2 Chip Following Minor Update With USB-C Port and New Colors

While the AirPods Max were updated this week, some fans of Apple's over-ear headphones have expressed disappointment about the lack of major changes.

airpods max 2024 colors
There are only two changes with the updated AirPods Max: a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning, and new color options, including Blue, Orange, Purple, Midnight, and Starlight. The headphones did not receive Apple's H2 chip that debuted in the AirPods Pro 2 a few years ago, meaning that they will continue to miss out on Adaptive Audio features, and there are no improvements to active noise cancellation either.

Apple first released the AirPods Max in December 2020, so the headphones are nearly four years old and continue to have the H1 chip from 2019.

The updated AirPods Max can be pre-ordered now and launch on Friday, September 20, with U.S. pricing remaining set at $549. Competing over-ear headphones include the Sony XM5, Sonos Ace, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for customers who may consider alternatives after the AirPods Max failed to receive any major changes this week.

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

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Top Rated Comments

Etc_ Avatar
23 weeks ago
They could've at least lowered the price. The keynote speaker almost seemed proud that the price remains the same.
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sniffies Avatar
23 weeks ago
The fact that Max received minimum updates is a max disappointment.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DrJR Avatar
23 weeks ago
I've been wanting a pair since they came out and I keep waiting for a proper update to spend that kind of money. Senheiser or some other company will get my money. Rediculous.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rymc02 Avatar
23 weeks ago

They could've at least lowered the price. The keynote speaker almost seemed proud that the price remains the same.
Tim's not lowering the price on anything now that they owe the EU $13B ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macmyworld Avatar
23 weeks ago
Too many strong options out there to consider them anymore. Product is outdated.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MayaUser Avatar
23 weeks ago
Apple should never even mention at the event Airpods max and Apple watch ultra just for these garbage "news"
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)