Why Apple Isn't Making New AirPods Max Anytime Soon - MacRumors
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Why Apple Isn't Making New AirPods Max Anytime Soon

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AirPods Max fans hoping for a second-generation version of Apple's over-ear headphones shouldn't hold their breath, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple AirPods Max hero
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman suggests Apple's wireless noise-canceling cans are stuck in commercial limbo – "too popular for Apple to stop selling them, and not popular enough for the company to invest a ton of time and money into creating a new version."

The reality check follows a report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo earlier this year indicating AirPods Max 2 could enter mass production in 2027. Gurman's assessment paints an equally bleak picture (if not more so), claiming that Apple's audio team is more focused on annual AirPods updates and supporting audio components across other products. Apple is expected to release new AirPods Pro 3 this coming fall.

Apple's minimal commitment to the AirPods Max line became apparent last year when the company only updated the headphones with USB-C charging to comply with EU regulations, as well as some new color options. No other meaningful improvements were made.

It's already been nearly five years since the original AirPods Max launched in December 2020 – "a remarkably long time for an Apple product" to go without a real upgrade, Gurman notes.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2
Tag: Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Top Rated Comments

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zedsdead
8 months ago
This is completely ridiculous to think they don't have the resources to put the H2 chip in it at the very least and give it the same features as AirPods Pro.

I think Apple is pissed that people didn't love them due mostly to the weight and case, and they just abandoned it.

For the recored I love my AirPods Max, and if they updated the chipset so it gained new features I would upgrade, even if they don't change the case (although a lighter version would definitely be appreciated.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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martint235
8 months ago
Apple seems to do this. When they find themselves unable to cope with the class leaders, they just give up. Sony and Bose have pretty much sewn up the ANC overear market
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Macbookey Avatar
Macbookey
8 months ago
Apple is run by spreadsheets first, innovation second. They have done a tremendous job with AirPods. They are not willing to make that effort with over - ears and it is a shame. We no longer have Airport routers because of this mentality. Yet, imagine what they could have incorporated in such a device, and expanded to be so much more, (built in HomePod and TV as well as smart home stuff and device backups), if they actually had some vision at the top that doesn’t involve cells and grids on a digital math book.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
levitynyc
8 months ago
Because you can get Sony XM6's for less money and they're way better.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
moulderine
8 months ago
Honestly one of the most bizzarre things of the Tim Cook reign has been how any "tier 2" product is allowed to have the most inconsistent and illogical development roadmaps and refreshes. From the studio display, the Mac Sudio to this.

It's like they have no idea how consumers plan larger then average purchases and how big the gaps builds between the competitiveness of what they are offering and competitors due to the lack of timely refreshes. Maybe just me but I was in the market for all three products and have ended up with a compeitor for the display, a 4090 instead of the studio, and now giving up on the Max 2 and gettting the Sony X6.

I'm happy to pay the apple tax to stay in the ecosystem with quality products but when there is such a gap between the competitors offering and Apples because they missed any sense of timeley refresh it just becomes impossible to rationalise at a point.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UMHurricanes34 Avatar
UMHurricanes34
8 months ago
This is the sales-led Apple that Tim has built.

Old Apple would iterate until they cracked it or cancel the product. Not keep things in eternal limbo. See also Mac Pro.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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