Fans are wondering when and if AirPods Max 2 is coming out. The first-gen model came out two-and-a-half years ago, and its design has received mixed reviews. Most are happy with their build quality and battery life, but the Smart Case, lack of lossless audio support, and high price have many holding out hope for a revision that’ll address these issues. We’ll take a look at what we know about the second generation of AirPods Max and what its new specs might look like below.
AirPods Max 2 release date rumors
Apple is notorious for withholding launch info until the last minute. So, we have no idea what the release date of AirPods Max second generation will be. A Bloomberg newsletter quotes analyst Mark Gurman who predicted an Autumn 2022 launch. However, since then they missed Apple’s September 2022 event, and WWDC 2023. The AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Pro 2 released in the third quarter of the year, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the didn’t see the AirPods Max 2 until Fall 2023.
AirPods Max 2 lossless audio support
In the time since the AirPods Max was released, Apple started offering lossless audio through Apple music. Ironically, Apple’s top-of-the-line headphones don’t support lossless audio wirelessly. Its Bluetooth connection uses AAC files at a max of 256kbps. That’s high enough fidelity that most people won’t be able to tell the difference, but people (rightfully) expect better out of a $550 headset.
We’ll likely see the second generation AirPods Max include technology that will allow users to play lossless audio wirelessly (at least when connected to an Apple device). We also assume that it’ll include higher-end drivers to take advantage of this.
New case?
The one aspect of the AirPods Max’s design that is almost universally hated is the Smart Case. There’s no way to put the unit in low power mode outside of placing them into the flimsy Smart Case, which many have equated to looking like a bra. Given how widely panned it was, we doubt it’ll be included with the second-generation device.
We guess that Apple will allow users to enter low-power mode via the controls on the headset in the AirPods Max 2. If a case is included, it will probably be of a more traditional design. Still, we wouldn’t be surprised if it releases without one.
Dropping Lightning?
Apple is slowly dropping the Lightning port on Mac and higher-end devices. We’ve seen the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini switch to USB-C, and we could see the same thing happening with the AirPods Max. We bet that it’ll continue to use whatever port the latest iPhone is using. So, if the iPhone 15 uses Lightning, the second-gen AirPods Max likely will as well.
AirPods Max 2 Price
The AirPods Max is an expensive pair of headphones, and with inflation on the rise, we doubt that’s going to change. We assume that AirPods Max 2 will stick with the same $549 price tag as the first generation. However, we might see Apple continue production of the original model and drop its price. It would make sense to get something in the $350-450 range for those who want something with more punch than the AirPods Pro but aren’t looking to drop more than half a grand on it.
Will they have MagSafe?
The AirPods Pro got a refresh in late 2021 and now includes a MagSafe case, and the Pro 2 comes with the same style of case. So, you’d think this is a feature we can expect from the whole lineup now. However, the AirPods Max likely won’t have direct wireless charging unless they get a significant redesign since they’re metal. Apple could get really out there by making the shell glass or ceramic. More likely, if it’s available then wireless charging would be delivered via a case, just like with the Pros.
