Apple has finally embraced the future with its latest update to the AirPods Max, its premium wireless noise-canceling headphones. The new AirPods Max, unveiled at a special event in Cupertino, California on September 9th, ditches the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, a move that aligns with the industry’s growing adoption of the universal standard.
This update comes as no surprise, considering Apple itself is moving towards USB-C across its product lineup. However, the AirPods Max’s design remains unchanged, retaining the iconic aluminum-covered earcups and mesh headband that have become synonymous with the brand.
While the addition of USB-C charging is certainly a welcome improvement, some fans may be disappointed by the lack of other enhancements. Many hoped that Apple would introduce support for USB audio and high-resolution audio, features that have become increasingly popular in the headphone market. Additionally, the awkward design of the AirPods Max case, a frequent target of criticism, remains unchanged.
On the bright side, Apple has expanded the spatial audio functionality to encompass music, in addition to video content like movies and TV shows. The personalized spatial audio feature creates a more immersive audio experience, tailoring the sound field to the user’s unique head and ear shape.
Despite the lack of other significant improvements, the new AirPods Max still command a premium price tag of $549. They are available in five new colorways: Midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight, providing a wider range of aesthetic choices for users. Pre-orders began on September 9th, with the headphones hitting store shelves on September 20th.
While the updated AirPods Max is a step in the right direction, some users may find themselves waiting for a more comprehensive upgrade. The absence of key features like USB audio and hi-res audio support may leave some feeling that Apple missed an opportunity to push the boundaries of audio technology even further.
