Remember when the iPhone 15 launched in 2023, and everyone was buzzing about it being the first iPhone to ditch the lightning port for USB-C? Now, imagine that the only change from the iPhone 14 was that USB-C port. And then imagine that the USB-C port only allowed for USB-C charging – that’s essentially what Apple did with its updated AirPods Max, and it’s a major disappointment.
It’s been four years since Apple introduced the AirPods Max, their first wireless headphones. In that time, they’ve released not one, but two versions of the AirPods Pro, both featuring Apple’s latest H2 wireless chip. Meanwhile, Beats, owned by Apple, has launched several new headphone models like the Fit Pro, Studio Buds, Studio Buds+, Solo Buds, Solo 4 headphones, and Studio Pro headphones. These Beats headphones utilize many of Apple’s technologies and offer impressive features. So, when Apple finally updated the AirPods Max, you’d think they’d include these same (or even better!) technologies, right?
However, Apple chose to stick with the status quo. The Beats Studio Pro and Solo 4 headphones allow you to use their USB-C ports for more than just charging. They can deliver lossless, high-resolution audio directly from a Mac or a USB-C-equipped iPhone. They also come with a dedicated analog cable. The Solo 4 even uses this analog connection when the battery is dead. The AirPods Pro 2 (and Pro 2 with USB-C) both received the Apple H2 chip, which Apple boasts is capable of impressive computational audio feats. But the updated AirPods Max don’t include any of these features or improvements. They don’t even ship with a 3.5mm to USB-C cable, and Apple hasn’t made one available as an optional accessory.
That’s not all. Even if Apple couldn’t find a way to give the AirPods Max better audio quality, they could at least have addressed some of their weaknesses. The battery life remains a paltry 20 hours, placing them at the bottom of the battery life spectrum for wireless headphones. This is especially frustrating considering the AirPods Max are among the most expensive at $549.
Then there’s the case, or rather, the lack of a proper case. Apple’s bizarre, magnetically latched cover provides minimal protection for the earcups and earcushions, leaving the two physical controls and headband completely exposed. These aren’t cheap headphones – they deserve better protection.
The AirPods Max are quite popular. During a recent trip to Scandinavia, I was surprised by how many people were wearing them. Perhaps Apple thinks there’s no need to upgrade them beyond swapping out the charging port. But this seems like a cynical response in a market where competitors like Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony are constantly adding meaningful improvements to their products with every new generation. I can only hope that Apple sees this updated AirPods Max as a temporary stopgap, a short-term solution to keep sales high until they release a truly improved second-generation product.
