Apple is strongly rumored to introduce new AirPods models later this year. But the expected AirPods Max refresh will be limited to new colors and a USB-C port without bringing audio performance or battery life improvements, according to a new post on X from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
Gurman reiterates earlier reports of a small refresh for AirPods Max, which hasn’t enjoyed strong feedback from the general public over its expensive price tag and hefty weight. According to Gurman, the anticipated refresh won’t even qualify as a complete second-generation upgrade. Rather, it will continue to be marketed as a first-generation device.
The only notable change will be the addition of a USB-C charging port that would replace the current Lightning port on today’s AirPods Max. This would be similar to Apple’s recent move to upgrade the MagSafe Charging Case of the second-generation AirPods Pro to USB-C without being labeled as a new generation. A color refresh for AirPods Max shouldn’t be ruled out, which could replace or add new colors to the headphones’ Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green options.
The AirPods Max refresh is expected to stick with the five-year-old H1 chip in favor of upgrading to the newer H2 introduced with the second-generation AirPods Pro. The H2 brought over several new improvements including better Active Noise Cancellation, longer battery life, and Adaptive Audio. As a result, AirPods Max will likely maintain the same noise cancellation levels and audio performance as the model being sold today.
Beyond AirPods Max, Apple is preparing a shakeup of its entry-level AirPods that could see two new models introduced simultaneously. The company is developing two new low-end and high-end fourth-generation AirPods models, whereas an all-new third-generation AirPods Pro is not expected till 2025 at the earliest.
Announced in December 2020, AirPods Max represents Apple’s entry into the over-ear headphones market. The $549 headphones come with the H1 audio processing chip, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive EQ, and 20-hour battery life.
