Photo via MacRumorsNext

AirPods Max 2: What the rumors are saying

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Apple released its high-end AirPods Max almost three years ago, but the headphones are starting to show their age. The second-generation AirPods Pro comes packed with technological improvements that the AirPods Max lacks, such as IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance, skin-detect sensors, Adaptive Transparency, and the U1 chip for Precision Finding with Find My. Although it is likely that the next-generation AirPods Max will gain some of these features, there have been very few rumors about the device. Image credit: MacRumors According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is not currently working on the second-generation AirPods Max. In October, Gurman claimed that the new model will feature USB-C and will launch "by 2024." However, beyond this single feature, there are no concrete rumors about what the new model could offer.

Gurman previously reported that the AirPods Max suffered from several development challenges, including problems with the headband being too tight, which led to delays and scaling back of functionality. The second-generation AirPods Max could introduce some of these initially scrapped features, considering that Apple has had several years to iterate on them. Image credit: NotebookCheck Initially, Apple planned to release the AirPods Max with interchangeable headbands and earcups, much like Apple Watch bands. However, to speed up production, Apple decided to drop the replaceable headband concept. Nevertheless, users can easily remove the headband from AirPods Max without disassembling the headphones. The earcups are magnetically removable and can easily be swapped out for a different color.

The Digital Crown from the Apple Watch replaced the touch pads on the earcups for controls. Additionally, it was rumored that the AirPods Max would have left and right ear detection so users could reverse the headphones' orientation, but this feature was also replaced in the final product. Image credit: 9to5Mac Apple has yet to release the lower-end sports-oriented model of the AirPods Max, which leaker Jon Prosser repeatedly predicted would be available for $350. However, Prosser's price prediction for the luxury variant was accurate, as the AirPods Max's retail price was $549.

The second-generation AirPods Max could adopt features from the AirPods Pro, such as H2 chips, up to two times better Active Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, Conversation Boost, improved battery life, MagSafe charging, and more. Apple usually releases a new AirPods product every year. The AirPods Max was released in December 2020, and the AirPods Pro was released in October 2019. Based on Apple's update pattern, the AirPods Max should be the next product to receive a refresh, sometime between June and November 2023.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 14th March, 2023.