It has been about three years since the current model of AirPods Max was released. When will the new version be launched?
How has AirPods Max 2 (second generation) evolved compared to the current model? We will introduce the changes, design, and release date.
In this article, we summarize the leak information about AirPods Max 2 and predict the release date based on past trends.
Conclusion: Should you wait for AirPods Max 2 (second generation)?
To get straight to the point, you should wait for the new AirPods Max 2.
The reason is that the new model is expected to have improved sound quality and performance compared to the current model, and there’s even a chance it might be cheaper.
Apple has a history of releasing first-generation devices at a higher price than their usual lineup. Whether it’s due to development costs or product testing, we saw this trend with the first generation of AirPods as well.
Since the current AirPods Max is Apple’s first-ever headphones, the new AirPods Max 2 might come at a more accessible price.
Of course, this is just the prediction of an earphone enthusiast
Leak Information on the New AirPods Max 2 (Second Generation)
Leak information about AirPods Max 2 is gradually emerging, so I would like to introduce the most reliable information first.
Improvements in sound quality and noise-canceling functionality
There is information suggesting that the ‘AirPods Max 2’ will feature the H2 chip, resulting in improved sound quality.
In fact, Apple’s latest wireless earphones, the ‘AirPods Pro 2,’ also have the H2 chip, which enhanced their sound quality compared to the previous model.
Additionally, it is expected to support the next-generation codec, LE Audio, allowing for high-quality music playback wirelessly without compromising sound quality.
I’m really looking forward to lossless audio
It is expected that the noise-canceling performance will also improve with the inclusion of the H2 chip.
The “AirPods Pro 2” also features the H2 chip, enabling more robust noise cancellation than its predecessor.
We can anticipate the arrival of wireless headphones with higher performance than those from SONY or BOSE.
Design and color variations
“AirPods Max 2” is expected to inherit the design of the current model.
However, it is said that the connection port, which is Lightning, will be changed to USB Type-C. Since the iPhone 15 has also switched to Type-C, it is likely that the headphones will be changed as well.
The current model’s color variations include Space Gray, Silver, Green, Sky Blue, and Pink, but there is also information suggesting that purple and gold color options may be added.
It’s also rumored that the color scheme of the 6th generation iPad will be adopted.
When will the AirPods Max 2 be released? When will it debut?
Based on the product cycle of Apple’s audio devices, new products typically debut every 3 to 4 years.
The current model, the “AirPods Max,” was released in December 2020, so it is expected that the “AirPods Max 2” will be released between July 2024 and December 2024.
Considering the time of writing (May 2024), it is likely that the “AirPods Max 2” will be released within a year.
I can’t wait to try it out soon!
What is the price of AirPods Max 2?
I believe that the selling price of the “AirPods Max 2” will be equivalent to that of top-tier models from other manufacturers.
The SONY “WH-1000XM5” and the BOSE “QuietComfort Ultra Headphones” are priced at around 59,400 yen, so I expect the selling price of the “AirPods Max 2” to be around 50,000 to 60,000 yen.
However, considering various factors, some sources suggest that it could be closer to 100,000 yen due to the impact of the weakening yen.
I hope they make it affordable even for the average consumer
The points of evolution for AirPods Max 2 are?
There are several anticipated features that are expected to evolve with the “AirPods Max 2” as well.
Inclusion of touch sensors.
Recent wireless headphones have incorporated touch sensors on the housing part, so it’s likely that “AirPods Max 2” will adopt a similar specification.
With touch sensors, users can perform functions like adjusting the audio quality and controlling playback, making it a desirable feature to have.
Enhanced search functionality
In the latest wireless earbuds “AirPods Pro 2,” AirTag functionality is incorporated, enabling detailed location tracking via GPS.
In the event of misplacement or loss, you can locate it with a high degree of probability as it displays detailed location information on the map.
You can pinpoint direction and distance with precision.
Bone conduction functionality will be incorporated
It’s rumored that the “AirPods Pro 2” will feature bone conduction microphones.
This feature is designed to prevent the leakage of the caller’s voice to the surroundings during headphone calls and can be used selectively for calls with specific registered contacts.
It’s exciting, like a tool detectives would use!
A camera is equipped.
There is also information about a camera function being integrated into the headphones.
Frankly, I think the capabilities of a camera integrated into headphones would be limited. However, could it be used like a Vlog or action camera?
There might be unforeseen applications for it.
Summary
So far, we’ve summarized the leaked information about the “AirPods Max 2”.
While we can expect improvements in sound quality and usability, it’s also exciting to anticipate other new features.
However, since it’s expected to be released in about a year, it might be worth considering other headphones you can use in the meantime.
The author, who works at an electronics retail store in Japan, shares their passion for audio equipment.
Please forgive any awkward parts in the English translation.