With the AirPods Max 2 release date potentially still some way away, we’ve gathered up all the current rumors, leaks, and speculation to help you understand when the new AirPods Max will hit the market. We also take a deep dive into price, specs, design, and latest news so we can really piece together what to expect. Here’s everything we know so far before Apple officially announces them. We’ll be keeping this page updated with the latest news to keep you up to date.

We do have to mention that much more could be revealed about the AirPods Max 2 in Apple’s latest events. The October 30th ‘Scary Fast’ Apple event is set to reveal some new products, such as the Apple M3 chip and new iMac. While the new AirPods Max are unlikely to launch here, we could see mention of them as Bloomberg report that the AirPods line-up is getting an overhaul. Be sure to tune in – either on Apple’s website or on YouTube.

It’s been close to 3 years since the release of the AirPods Max, so we’re certainly due a new model. While we expected a 2023 release date, no mention at WWDC or other Apple events has dampened our enthusiasm. Apple has been busy with all sorts of iOS updates and iPhone releases, so we’re excited to see them bring in the second generation of the AirPods Max. However, there is a real possibility of a pushback to 2024 or beyond. Since Apple’s AirPods kicked off the TWS (True Wireless) craze back in 2016, Apple has gone from strength to strength when it comes to audio in their wireless earbuds, eventually releasing moving into full-size headphones with the original AirPods Max, a much-needed contrast from the rest of the AirPods range.

AirPods Max 2 release date window prediction

We’ve come a long way since initially expecting a Fall 2022 release date, as this obviously turned out to be inaccurate, and then a lot of publications claiming an ‘Early 2023’ release window, though obviously that has passed us by as well. We were hopeful of a late 2023 release, but it looks more likely that we’ll be seeing this delayed until next year. Not too surprising given all the new launches we’ve seen already.

So, a more plausible date is somewhere in late 2024. This could tie into the pre-Black Friday release window that most tech companies, Apple included, like to use for increased interest during the sales period preceding Christmas. MacRumors pointed out the AirPods Pro 2nd generation released just under 3 years after the first gen, but the same trajectory for AirPods Max 2nd gen seems unlikely (the first gen was released back in December 2020). Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that the AirPods Max 2 won’t be arriving until as late as the second half of 2024, at the earliest. This could even spill over into the first half of 2025, as these tweets detail.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who runs the Power On newsletter, has said to look out for an AirPods Max refresh with new colors (and, we hope, a price drop – $550 is absurd for these headphones).” Considering this guy is trusted enough to have his own Apple rumors newsletter, we can put a reasonable amount of stock in this quote, though, we can’t consider him to be infallible.

AirPods Max 2 latest news

It’s been well over 2 years since the original AirPods Max headphones were released, and while they didn’t sell as well as Apple might have liked, with sales dipping below 1 million units in 2021, a new product refresh might help boost numbers. We’re on high alert for any latest news around Apple’s AirPods Max 2, but in all honesty, Apple hasn’t given us much as of late – but when could that change?

We didn’t hear anything about the AirPods Max 2 during WWDC which started June 5th. The same story of their event in September. This event launched iPhone 15 and iOS 17, with no mention of the AirPods Max 2. While the WWDC was more focused on OS previews, new Macs – and of course the Apple Vision Pro. But we can always keep our fingers crossed for anything regarding the AirPods Max 2. We certainly expect them to come out eventually. The ‘Scary Fast’ Apple event on October 30th looks to be the place to be for news.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground, but we’d predict that we’ll hear more from August in the build-up to the Fall event.

AirPods Max 2 price prediction

The original AirPods Max still retails at $549.00, which hasn’t changed since their launch two years ago, realistically speaking, we aren’t expecting anything other than an increased AirPods Max 2 price.

However, we’ve been surprised by Apple before, so the AirPods Max 2 price could be identical to the Current gen, or maybe even lower, but don’t hold your breath. We certainly aren’t holding ours.

AirPods Max 2 specs rumors & what we’d like to see

While the original AirPods Max was reviewed very well, there can always be improvements, and we can tell that Apple is working towards improving the ANC (active noise cancelation) as they have been granted some patents relating to just that. We already have the likes of spatial audio with AirPods (and Beats), so let’s see what the 2nd generation can bring.

One of these patents relates to something known as ‘audio howl’. This is essentially a form of positive feedback loop which builds up until it’s audible as a subtle howling noise. Given the patent application, we could see a decreased likelihood of this happening with the AirPods Max 2.

Another think to consider are the charging options and battery life of the Max 2. The original boast up to 20 hours, and this is likely to improve, even just a little bit. The upcoming introduction of USB-C connections for Apple Devices may help reduce the charging time too. Wireless charging isn’t possible with 1st gen AirPods Max 2, but maybe we will see this tech taken on board for their over-ear AirPods.

AirPods Max 2 power-off mode

One of the most limiting aspects of the original AirPods Max was the inability to switch them off without returning them to the weird bra/pouch case. The magnets in the case then tell the AirPods to go into ‘Ultra-low-power’ mode. This is usually fine, but the only way to have them actually turn off is for them to run out of battery, which is unideal for those of you who don’t often charge them.

So, hopefully, the AirPods Max 2 will feature an actual off switch, however, with Apple’s predisposition to getting rid of I/O, it’s more likely to take the form of a combination of touch inputs.

AirPods Max 2 touch controls

A patent granted to Apple in 2019 has hinted to us that the AirPods Max 2 with have a full complement of touch controls, plus some other cool gesture/positional features too. This will probably mean that the digital crown will not feature in the design of the AirPods Max 2. Instead, you can probably expect a mixture of swiping and tapping the outer shell of the headphones to control it.

Additionally, the patent mentions orientation control. This could mean that the music automatically pauses when the headphones are hung around the neck, or when one earcup is lifted away from the surface of the head.

AirPods Max 2 lossless audio

The main drawback to wireless headphones, whether they are 2.4GHz or Bluetooth, is lossy audio. Essentially, there just isn’t enough bandwidth as it stands to wirelessly transmit audio without a loss in quality.

According to a patent held by Apple, they are supposedly working on a new connection protocol to wireless transmit audio without a loss in fidelity. This tallies up with Apple Music as it natively supports lossless audio, but in a world where everyone wants to be rid of wires, what’s the point if Bluetooth is going to strip the audio bare anyway?

This means that the AirPods Max2 could introduce yet another wireless protocol, and if it does turn out to be lossless, then it would be a huge win for Apple as Lossless audio players are expensive and not typically wireless. This could turn the current generation iPhones into an audio powerhouse, if you’ve got the money that is, as this feature will probably only make its way to the higher-end Apple headphones, like the AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max case

We’ve also heard from Patently Apple that Apple is working on new and improved AirPods Max 2 case. This will be a relief for those of you who didn’t like the bra-style case of the original AirPods Max.

It looks to be a big improvement from the previous gen, at least from what we can tell from this image. The most notable change is the fact that it entirely encloses the headphones, instead of letting the headband hang out. This could be a great change as the previous carry case was very elegant but offered very substandard protection. The new AirPods Max 2 case looks far more protective, though it could be a little bulky.

We hope to see the retention of the smart features from the weird case, too, but hopefully with some additions. The magnets that put the headphones into ultra-low power mode are all well and good, but they could do more.

How about taking a leaf out of the AirPods’ book? With a more robust MagSafe case, the AirPods Max 2 case could be fitted with an inductive charging coil. This means the case would be able to top up the headphones’ battery when stowed away, which would combine with the ultra-low power mode to rapidly charge the battery. Since a change to the charging from lightning port to USB-C is guaranteed, this could help overhaul the case charging.

AirPods Max 2 design

While we don’t know anything for sure, Apple appears to be embracing a wide swathe of colorways for its new products.

So, even if we don’t see a new shape or overall design, we are almost certain to see an increased number of available colors. This should definitely be a priority for Apple as recent iPhones, iPads, etc have seen a wider variety of colorways than we ever got from the Airpods Max on launch. Right now though, the original AirPods Max are available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green.

However, don’t count a new design out just yet, as Apple has been slowly squaring off its products, with the new iPhone and Apple Watch Series 8 all having their corners cut. So it’s certainly possible, but it might be a tricky design challenge as no one wants to look like Lobot from The Empire Strikes Back, well, most people don’t. Hopefully.

One thing we can be sure of is the retention of the digital crown. This was first implemented on the Apple Watch. It then appears as the primary control input on the Original AirPods Max. Given the very positive reception of the AirPods Max for their intuitive and simple controls, we expect Apple to avoid changing these aspects up too much and instead concentrate on refining other aspects of the design.

Are AirPods Max 2 coming out?

We’re still (of course) waiting for Apple’s official announcement of the AirPods Max 2. Even though this can be seen as speculation, we see no reason why Apple won’t provide a refresh to their over-ear headphones. The AirPods product line is massively popular, and the Max headphones sit at the top of the back for those of us which just aren’t fans of earbuds.

Like we mentioned already, trustworthy Apple analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo have mentioned that the second generation of the AirPods Max is in the works. So, it’s just a matter of time before Apple officially announce them – which could be happening soon.

When did Apple release AirPods Max gen 1?

The original AirPods Max was announced on December 8 2020, via an unannounced website page change, with the full release following it on December 15th. The headphones themselves were received well, aside from the somewhat extortionate $550 price tag, whereas the AirPods Max carrying case received a lot of criticism for its resemblance to a bra and similar lack of protective capabilities.

Are AirPods Max selling well?

Yes, but not nearly as much as you’d expect, With sales number below 1 million the original AirPods Max didn’t prove to be the audio tour de force of profit that Apple was probably hoping for. Reasons for this might be the very stiff competition from brands like Sennheiser, Sony, and Bose. Additionally, the ~$500 price is pretty hard to swallow, even for the most stalwart Apple fans. It seems like Apple fans prefer the in-ear solutions instead.

Are AirPods Max still worth it?

Well, we don’t think so. The AirPods Max is a great pair of headphones, but the price-to-performance ratio just isn’t what we want to see. Noticeably better headphones are available for significantly cheaper, like the Sony WH-1000XM5, for example. Plus, with the new AirPods Max 2 hopefully coming soon, you’re better off waiting for those.

AirPods Max 2 release date FAQs

Will AirPods Max 2 work with Android?

Almost certainly. The AirPods Max 2 will be Bluetooth-equipped, just like the previous version. Despite talk of Apple’s upcoming proprietary wireless audio codec, they won’t abandon Bluetooth as it’s too ubiquitous.

This means that the AirPods Max 2 will work with android, but you almost certainly won’t be able to experience all the features unless you’re using an iPhone.

Will AirPods Max 2 release with new AirPods?

The AirPods Max 2 are definitely highly anticipated for those that enjoy over-ear headphones and have a strong allegiance to Apple. The regular in-ear AirPods usually grab the interest of many customers, and we’ve already seen multiple generations of them.

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2nd generation released back in September 2022, so we find it unlikely that they get a rehash any time soon. As for the base model AirPods, the latest were the 3rd generation that released in October 2021. This means it’s entirely possible that the AirPods Max 2 releases alongside the 4th generation AirPods, or even AirPods Pro Gen 3.

AirPods Max 2 release date window prediction, price & specs rumors

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