New Colors, Same Price: AirPods Max Refresh Brings USB-C And More
- It's official: Say goodbye to Lightning on AirPods Max.
- There's also five bold new colors—but is that all there is to it?
- No drastic changes, but one big update you've been waiting for.
- Want to know if it’s time to upgrade your AirPods Max? Keep reading.
After years of waiting, Apple has finally updated the AirPods Max, just as we had expected they would. Marking a notable change: the departure from the infamous Lightning port to the universally loved USB-C. First introduced nearly four years ago, the AirPods Max has received this overdue upgrade, but other changes are surprisingly minimal.
What’s New?
USB-C Charging
The biggest change in the 2024 AirPods Max is the switch to USB-C, following Apple’s gradual phasing out of the Lightning port. Given that Apple recently equipped the AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case last year, this move has been a long time coming for the AirPods Max line.
Color Refresh
The new AirPods Max come in five fresh color options, giving buyers a more vibrant range to choose from. The lineup includes:
- Midnight
- Starlight
- Blue
- Orange
- Purple
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple's 2024 refresh of the AirPods Max brings some fresh new colors.
Same Price
Despite the new features, Apple has decided to keep the price unchanged at $549, making the updated AirPods Max more of a refresh than a next-gen release.
No Drastic Overhaul
While USB-C is a welcome update, other significant improvements are notably absent. Apple didn’t introduce any radical changes to the internal components, such as improved noise cancellation or sound quality. As a result, many are left wondering if the new model, available for preorder today and shipping on September 20, should really be considered AirPods Max 2. It’s clear Apple views this as a slight refresh rather than a full generational leap.
“The changes announced today are very minor,” noted Joe Rossignol at MacRumors, echoing the sentiments of many tech enthusiasts.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Some shots of AirPods Max as shown by Apple. Here, you can see a side view and a view of the Digital Crown on the top of the right ear cover.
Still, It's a Move Forward
For many users, the jump to USB-C is a win in itself, aligning the AirPods Max with the rest of Apple’s ecosystem, which has been steadily moving towards the more universal standard. USB-C’s faster charging, better power management, and broader compatibility will no doubt make life easier for those tired of juggling multiple cables.
And let’s not forget the new colors. While some might shrug at cosmetic updates, others will see this as a fun opportunity to add some personality to their tech. For a product that’s as much about design as it is about performance, that’s not insignificant.
Personalized Spatial Audio Incoming
In addition to the hardware tweaks, Apple also announced that the AirPods Max will support Personalized Spatial Audio once iOS 18 rolls out. This software feature will allow users to tailor the spatial audio experience more precisely to their own hearing, making immersive soundscapes even more captivating.
What’s Missing?
It’s worth noting that, despite the refresh, Apple didn’t announce any upgrades to core features like noise cancellation or battery life—both areas where competition is getting fierce. Other brands have been pushing the boundaries, and some might feel Apple is lagging a bit behind. There’s no doubt many were hoping for deeper changes, like improved acoustics or even a sleeker, more portable design.
Should You Upgrade?
If you're already using AirPods Max with Lightning, the update may not be enough to justify a replacement—especially at $549. However, for those new to the high-end headphone scene or anyone who’s been holding out for USB-C, this refresh is a perfect opportunity to jump in.
The AirPods Max may not have gotten a total overhaul, but they continue to stand strong in Apple’s lineup. It’s hard to deny that, while understated, the move to USB-C and new color options bring just enough freshness to keep them in the spotlight.
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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.10th September, 2024 at 2:45 am by Flynn
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