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The AirPods Max are actually due an replace. Apple’s first era premium headphones first launched in 2020, with not way more mentioned since. Will we get a brand new model of AirPods Max in 2023?
The important thing improvement is that Apple has launched lossless Apple Music streaming within the meantime – one thing its most costly headphones don’t help, which means that any second-gen AirPods Max 2 headphones are in all probability ready for a lossless-supporting Apple headphone chip to emerge.
The AirPods Professional 2nd gen got here with a H2 chip that supplied fatter bass and a wider vary of frequencies. In addition they supplied Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, improved noise cancellation and a dialog increase characteristic that enables these with listening to challenges hearken to conversations extra clearly. These are all issues we’d like to see on the Airpods Max 2.0. Nonetheless, there was no help for lossless, which we count on to reach with the AirPods Max 2.
We gave the first-gen headphones 4/5 in our AirPods Max overview because of the spectacular sound, however the case and another extra sensible features disillusioned us. We’d count on a step up from this in AirPods Max 2. However what else do it’s essential find out about Apple’s next-gen headphones? Let’s discover out.
AirPods Max 2: potential launch date and value
We had been as soon as quietly assured that the AirPods Max 2 launch date could be someday in late 2022. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted an Autumn 2022 launch. Gurman has one of many strongest monitor information for Apple leaks, however clearly, this prediction didn’t work out.
As a substitute, Apple launched AirPods Professional (2nd era) in September 2022 which got here with improved lively noise cancellation and a few new options we’d prefer to see added to the AirPods Max 2 ultimately.
In accordance with TF Worldwide Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a sequence of tweets, Apple is seeking to ship its subsequent batch of AirPods merchandise within the second half of 2024 or the start of 2025. That features the AirPods Max 2 and, curiously, a less expensive set of AirPods. Apple, says Ming-Chi Kuo, are focusing on a value of $99/£99.
We predict that is fairly late for AirPods Max 2 and we’re fairly satisfied that the truth is someplace in between. If we needed to guess on it, we’d say that late 2023 is a extra doubtless state of affairs.
As for the value, there’s not an excessive amount of to go on. In Gurman’s report, he talked about he hoped for a value drop, however supplied no info on whether or not there could be one. AirPods 2 debuted on the identical value as the unique AirPods, so we would get the identical luxurious with the Max successor. AirPods Max at the moment retail for $549/£549, so count on a determine in the identical ballpark.
AirPods Max 2 design
Right here’s the place issues get a bit of extra attention-grabbing. Gurman’s report outlined that we should always count on new colors on the up to date AirPods Max. The unique gadget debuted in House Gray, Silver, Inexperienced, Pink and Sky Blue, so the product isn’t shy to a splash of color.
Whereas Gurman didn’t broaden on what to anticipate, we are able to look to the 2021 iMac for inspiration. Count on brighter colors, in the identical pastel shade. Might we get yellow like on the most recent iPhone 14 variant? Crimson? Sure, please. Purple? Come right here. iPhone 12 and subsequent iPad fashions have featured a purple choice, so we’d hedge our bets on this one.
In accordance with a patent Apple holds, the corporate is engaged on contact controls somewhat than the Digital Crown. Apparently, this characteristic was supposed for AirPods Max the primary time round, however Apple couldn’t get it fairly proper. Assuming Apple is engaged on this once more, count on the lack of the Digital Crown to be a giant design differentiator.
Lastly, who may discuss AirPods Max with out mentioning the controversial case? Whereas designed for comfort, the bra/purse-like design has acquired a lot criticism. Admittedly, the case does look a bit of foolish and doesn’t supply a lot in the best way of safety.
A recently-granted patent found by Patently Apple suggests adjustments are on the best way, with a fully-enclosed case held collectively by magnets. It could actually do a greater job of conserving the scarf secure from scuffs or scrapes than the present case.
AirPods Max 2 options and specs
As talked about above, Apple is engaged on contact controls for AirPods Max 2, which might be a model new characteristic to the headphones. Ought to Apple determine to tweak the case too, we may very well be taking a look at a method to flip the headphones off, with out the daft magnets within the case and a “low energy” mode.
Different new options may embody improved lively noise-cancelling. Thanks to a different patent, we are able to see Apple is engaged on tweaking its ANC to raised keep away from audio howls and suggestions. Whereas we haven’t seen any complaints of those points, we welcome any enhancements to the already spectacular noise-cancelling characteristic.
Yet one more patent (recognizing a development?) explains that Apple is engaged on new optical audio transmission know-how. It’s a elaborate new various to Bluetooth, which might permit Apple to ship lossless audio wirelessly. We’d count on this on Apple’s highest-end headphones, particularly since Apple Music helps lossless audio. Different options for lossless audio help embody an AirPlay-esque characteristic.
Naturally, Apple won’t pursue any of those patents. But when we’re to see them anyplace, we’d count on AirPods Max 2, because of the premium providing. Since this replace is ready to be a minor refresh, we wouldn’t count on too many extra new options. Count on a spec bump within the drivers behind the headphone, bettering the already stellar audio high quality. And be ready for a cheeky additional characteristic hidden up Apple’s sleeve.
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