×
Photo via MacRumorsNext

AirPods Max 2: What the rumors are saying

68% reliable
6 mins
45.69K views
AirPods
  • Apple released AirPods Max almost three years ago, but they lack some features of the newer AirPods Pro, such as water resistance and skin-detect sensors.
  • Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that there are no concrete rumors about the second-gen AirPods Max, although it was previously rumored to launch by 2024 with USB-C.
  • Development challenges with the AirPods Max led to scaling back of features, such as interchangeable headbands and earcups and left/right ear detection.
  • There are no rumors about the lower-end sports-oriented model of the AirPods Max, but the luxury variant's price prediction was accurate at $549.
  • The second-gen AirPods Max could adopt features from the AirPods Pro, and Apple usually releases new AirPods every year, with a possible refresh of the AirPods Max between June and November 2023.

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. AirPods Max 2: Concepts of Apple's next-gen over-ear headphonesImage 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. AirPods Max 2 conceptImage 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. AirPods Max 2 cover artImage 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.

Recommended by the editors:

Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.

Published to Apple Scoop on 14th March, 2023.
Flynn Lo Faro

Flynn Lo Faro

Team Leader / Editor-in-Chief

Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.

Flynn's journalism More about AirPods
Stories related to AirPods

AirPods Pro 3 Rumors: Release Date, Pricing, Features, and More

66% reliable 11 mins

Upcoming Apple Product Releases: Here’s What’s Coming in 2025

59% reliable 17 mins

Apple’s First Smart Home Display Rumored for 2025 Release

59% reliable 8 mins

Why Did Apple Remove the Headphone Jack?

100% reliable 9 mins

What Happened to Apple AirPower? Why Was It Cancelled?

87% reliable 10 mins

20 Surprising New Things Your iPad Can Do With iPadOS 18

100% reliable 15 mins

Apple Smart Glasses and AirPods with Cameras Rumored For 2027

66% reliable 10 mins

50+ Fun Facts About Apple Inc.

100% reliable 28 mins

The Top 5 Most Iconic Apple Products of All Time

100% reliable 9 mins

New Colors, Same Price: AirPods Max Refresh Brings USB-C And More

100% reliable 8 mins

New AirPods 4: Top 10 Things You Need to Know

100% reliable 11 mins

Apple's Big Reveal: iPhone 16 Lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, and More

100% reliable 12 mins

Watch Live: Apple’s September 2024 Event – iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, AirPods 4 & More

77% reliable 10 mins

AirPods Max 2: Rumors, Features, and Everything You Should Expect

59% reliable 9 mins

Apple September Event: What to Expect and What Not to Expect

80% reliable 10 mins

Apple's 'Glowtime' iPhone 16 Event: Everything You Need to Know

77% reliable 12 mins

Surprise Move: Next Apple Event Announced for September 9th

100% reliable 9 mins

14 Surprising Facts About Apple AirPods

100% reliable 14 mins

Apple’s Big September 10 Reveal: New iPhones, Watches, and AirPods

74% reliable 8 mins

Leaked Apple 2024 Product Lineup: What’s Coming and What Might Be Delayed

66% reliable 11 mins
Recommended

Apple’s 2nm A20 Chip: Latest Rumors, Tech Specs, and More

57% reliable 10 mins

Apple WWDC 2025 Rumors: Expect a Radical Software Overhaul for iPhone, iPad & Mac

66% reliable 9 mins

Apple's Foldable iPad Pro: Rumors, Release Date, Features, and More

57% reliable 11 mins

macOS 16 Rumors: Release Date, New Features, Supported Devices, and More

58% reliable 9 mins

iOS 19 Rumors: Release Date, Major Redesign, New Features, and Latest Leaks

73% reliable 9 mins

Everything We Know About iPhone 17 Air: Rumors, Leaks, Design, and Display

66% reliable 13 mins

MacBook Air M4: Release Date, Rumors, Specs, Design, and More

64% reliable 12 mins

Apple’s HomePod with a Screen: Rumors, Release Date, Leaks, and More

59% reliable 13 mins

Two New Apple Products Are Coming, Rumors Say

61% reliable 10 mins

Apple Watch SE 3 Rumors: Release Date, Pricing, Features, and More

58% reliable 8 mins

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Rumors, Leaks, Features, Release Date, and More

60% reliable 8 mins

Apple's Smart Home 'Command Center' Rumors: Here's What We Know So Far

59% reliable 15 mins
Apple

Apple

Microsoft

Microsoft

Google

Google

Samsung

Samsung

Meta

Meta

Wallpaper categories


iOS 18

MacBook Pro

Black

Dark

Christmas

iPhone 15 Pro

Anime

Car

Blue

Pink

Apple

Gradient

Red

iPhone

BMW

4K

Purple

Abstract

iPhone 16

Cars

Apple Logo

Green

Art

Nature

iOS

Orange

iPhone 15

Space

Gold

iPad