In 2020, Apple introduced the AirPods Max, and for almost four years since then, there hasn’t been an update to these premium headphones. However, on Monday, Apple finally announced some news for the AirPods Max. But unfortunately, it’s not all that exciting. The “new” USB-C AirPods Max essentially have the same hardware as the original version.
At the “It’s Glowtime” event on Monday, Apple talked about the AirPods Max after introducing the new AirPods 4. During the keynote, it was noted that the AirPods Max now have a USB-C port for charging instead of Lightning, and they will be available in new colors.
Given that Apple had just announced the entry-level AirPods 4 with the same H2 chip as the second-generation AirPods Pro 2, which offers better active noise cancellation, some people had hoped that the H2 chip would also be coming to the AirPods Max. But that didn’t happen.
Aside from the USB-C port and the new colors, the hardware of the AirPods Max remains the same as the original model. This means that users probably won’t notice any significant improvements in sound quality or active noise cancellation capabilities. Even internally, iOS treats the new AirPods Max as a revised version or “1.2” rather than a new generation.
Apple’s website confirms that the new AirPods Max feature the same H1 chip as the version introduced in 2020. On another webpage, Apple states that the AirPods Max have “2x more Active Noise Cancellation,” but the fine print on the page makes it clear that this is a comparison with the new AirPods 4 (which don’t have silicone tips).
Of course, having a USB-C port is a welcome change (especially if Apple allows for Lossless audio pass-through), but many customers were disappointed that Apple didn’t bring more substantial upgrades to their premium headphones.
The new AirPods Max with USB-C are now available for pre-order at the same price of $549 as before. However, if you don’t mind the new colors or the USB-C port, you can buy the AirPods Max with Lightning for $100 less.
Read also:
– AirPods Pro offer 2x better noise cancellation than the new AirPods 4.
– AirPods 4 no longer come with a USB cable in the box.
– This is the new AirPods lineup following the announcement of AirPods 4.
– AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro: Here’s all the differences.
