When to Expect New AirPods Max to Launch (2024)

by Joe Rossignol

It has been more than three years since Apple released the AirPods Max, leading some to wonder when the over-ear headphones will be updated.

When to Expect New AirPods Max to Launch (1)
Below, we outline when to expect new AirPods Max, and rumored features.

Timing

In an October 2023 edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple planned to release new AirPods Max in "late 2024," so the headphones are likely around 7-10 months away from being updated based on that timeframe.

Apple announced the current AirPods Max in a press release on December 8, 2020, and the headphones launched a week later.

New Features

Apple is only planning minor changes for the AirPods Max, including a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging and wired audio playback, according to Gurman. He also said the headphones will be available in new color options. The current color options include Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.

Gurman said the updated headphones will still be considered first-generation AirPods Max, signifying how minor the changes may be.

The updated AirPods Max will likely support Bluetooth 5.3, up from Bluetooth 5.0, for more reliable and power-efficient wireless audio connectivity.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max

Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Caution)

Related Forum: AirPods

[ 95 comments ]

Top Rated Comments

CarAnalogy

4 days ago at 07:55 am

Answer: the moment your return window closes for the pair you bought on sale from the other post.

Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)

orbital~debris

4 days ago at 08:08 am


Gurman said the updated headphones will still be considered first-generation AirPods Max, signifying how minor the changes may be.

Seriously difficult to believe this element.

Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)

VisceralRealist

4 days ago at 08:10 am


I love how MR presents speculative second-hand information as a matter of fact.

I love how users are repeatedly shocked and appalled that a site called MacRumors reports rumors. I mean, it's almost like "rumors" is in the name of the site. It's almost like they specify that information is rumored. What's next, alleged updates? The nerve! ?

But yeah, what an underwhelming update if true. Four years with nothing, and it's not even going to be a new generation? On one hand I find these rumors hard to believe, but I also wouldn't put it past Apple. Over-ear headphones are niche, and these can't bring in anywhere near the revenue that non-Max AirPods do.

Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)

mashinhead

4 days ago at 07:56 am

I love how MR presents speculative second-hand information as a matter of fact.

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

yanksfan114

4 days ago at 08:04 am

It would be ridiculous if that rumor it was keeping the H1 chips was true. Imagine Apple putting two 5-year-old chips in the updated AirPods Max instead of the 2 year old H2 chip or an updated H3. Especially for a $550.

Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)

mattopotamus

4 days ago at 08:02 am

I have always used over the ear headphones for travel, but damn the AirPod pros are solid. I don't think I'll ever go back to over the ear for travel. Not sure if others feel the same way? I felt it was relevant because I think that is a lot of the market for over the hear headphones.

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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When to Expect New AirPods Max to Launch (2024)

FAQs

Will new AirPods Max come out in 2024? ›

Also in 2024, Apple will release a new version of AirPods Max. Unfortunately, the only change here will be a switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging. According to Bloomberg, Apple isn't planning any other upgrades for AirPods Max this year.

Is AirPods Max 2 coming out? ›

According to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple will introduce a new version of the AirPods Max in late 2024. Here's what we expect from the new version of Apple's premium over-ear headphones, followed by some potential features that we hope to see but are still unconfirmed for AirPods Max 2.

Will Airpod Max get USB-C? ›

Apple plans to discontinue the second-generation and third-generation AirPods after launching the two fourth-generation models, he said. The updated AirPods Max will feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging and wired audio playback, but no other major changes, according to Gurman.

When can I expect new AirPods? ›

Especially considering that last year at its Wonderlust event, Apple introduced an updated AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C instead of the lighting port. Apple's 3rd generation AirPods Pro are anticipated to launch between September and October 2024. Although, a report by Mark Gurman suggests a possible release in 2025.

Are AirPods Max getting an upgrade? ›

Apple will introduce a new version of the AirPods Max in late 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

How much will Airpod Max 2 cost? ›

This series of AirPods Max promotional price campaigns has led several experts to suggest that the new AirPods Max 2 could be cheaper than its first-generation model. However, as AirPods Max sales were consistent despite its hefty $549 price tag, a low-cost AirPods Max 2 sounds more than unlikely.

What headphones are better than AirPods Max? ›

If you want superb sound quality and marginally better noise-cancelling than the AirPods Max for nearly half the price, you want the Award-winning Sony WH-1000XM5. They're still not that cheap (although they do go on sale from time to time), but in terms of value, they're the best AirPods Max alternatives you can buy.

Why are AirPods Max out of stock? ›

One possibility here is that Apple isn't imminently planning a full refresh for AirPods Max, but it is planning to release new colors. That could explain why supply is constrained at the moment, without a looming second-generation launch.

Does Airpod Max leak sound? ›

In conclusion, the sound leak when it's around the 12 volume Mark. But if you're in a quiet environment. you probably won't be listening to that high anyways.

What is the amber light on AirPods Max? ›

Check the charge status

If you press the noise control button when your AirPods Max are connected to power, the status light will turn green if the charge has more than or equal to 95 percent remaining, or amber if the charge has less than 95 percent remaining.

Is it possible to use AirPods Max with cable? ›

Yes, you can use AirPods Max with a wired connection. However, keep in mind that the headphones do not come with a cable, so you'll need to purchase Apple's lightning to 3.5 mm audio cable separately.

Do the Airpod Max have an AUX port? ›

The AirPods Max lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack (like the Apple Beats Solo Pro), but you can still use them wired. To do so, you need to buy the Lightning-to-3.5mm audio cable from Apple, which currently sells for $35. You'll need another adaptor to get the audio out of your iOS device.

When did AirPods Max come out? ›

Overview. Apple announced AirPods Max on December 8, 2020 via a website refresh, and released them on December 15, 2020. AirPods Max features an over-ear headphone design. AirPods Max have an H1 chip in each ear cup, which is also found in the second-generation AirPods and first-generation AirPods Pro.

Are AirPods Gen 4 coming out? ›

In summary, an exact launch date for the AirPods 4 has yet to be confirmed. While the fall of 2024 is a likely estimate, it remains quite distant. The AirPods 4 could potentially offer improved sound quality and better battery performance due to the H2 chip, making it worthwhile to consider waiting.

Should I get new AirPods after 3 years? ›

What's the expected lifespan of your AirPods? Your AirPods should last you for about two to three years. Like in all true wireless earbuds, the lithium-ion battery tends to be the first thing that goes bad.

Will Apple release new AirPods Max this year? ›

What is the most likely Apple AirPods Max 2 release date? Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the AirPods Max may not reach our ears until mid-2024 or early 2025. Mark Gurman takes this further, sharing that Apple's flagship headphones will come to market at the tail-end of 2024.

What are the latest AirPods 2024? ›

In 2024, Apple seems to be doing away with its second and third-gen AirPods altogether and replacing them with two fourth-gen AirPods. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts these will be priced similarly to the models they're replacing.

How many years do AirPods Max last? ›

What's the expected lifespan of your AirPods? Your AirPods should last you for about two to three years. Like in all true wireless earbuds, the lithium-ion battery tends to be the first thing that goes bad.

How many years do AirPods Pro Max last? ›

While the lifespan of AirPods can vary depending on usage patterns and environmental factors, it is generally recommended to consider replacing them after approximately two to three years of regular use.

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