Next AirPods Max Could Adopt These Five Features From Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Pro

[MacRumors]

While rumors about second-generation AirPods Max have been slim so far, there are a handful of features that the over-ear headphones could adopt from the new Beats Studio Pro and the second-generation AirPods Pro.

Below, we have listed five features that are likely for the next AirPods Max, which are expected to launch later next year at the earliest.

Potential New Features

USB-C Port

Like the Beats Studio Pro, the second-generation AirPods Max could be equipped with a USB-C port for charging rather than Lightning. Apple has gradually phased out Lightning across its product lineup over the past few years, with all four iPhone 15 models launching later this year expected to be equipped with a USB-C port as well.

H2 Chips

The current AirPods Max have an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup, and an upgrade to H2 chips is likely for the next model. Introduced with the second-generation AirPods Pro, the H2 chip enables several benefits, including improved sound, increased active noise cancellation, and Adaptive Transparency mode.

Increased Active Noise Cancellation

With the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro provide up to twice as much active noise cancellation as the original AirPods Pro, according to Apple. A similar improvement in noise cancellation is likely for the next AirPods Max.

Adaptive Transparency Mode

Transparency mode lets some outside noise in, allowing you to hear a conversation and other ambient sounds. The second-generation AirPods Pro take this feature a step further with Adaptive Transparency mode, which can reduce loud environmental noises, such as a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or loud speakers at a concert. With H2 chips, the next AirPods Max will likely feature Adaptive Transparency mode as well.

Conversation Boost

Conversation Boost is designed to help people with mild hearing challenges stay more connected in conversations. The feature uses the AirPods Pro's beam-forming microphones to boost the volume of a person talking in front of you, making it easier to listen to a face-to-face conversation, and there is also an option to reduce ambient noise. Given the AirPods Max also have beam-forming microphones, perhaps Conversation Boost will eventually be expanded to the over-ear headphones.

Other Possibilities

In January, we outlined several other potential features for the second-generation AirPods Max, including longer battery life, new color options, Bluetooth 5.3 support, a U1 chip that would enable Precision Finding in the Find My app, and more.

Launch Timing

The current AirPods Max launched in December 2020 for $549 in the U.S. and have not received any hardware upgrades since then. The headphones are available in five colors: Space Gray, Silver, Green, Pink, and Sky Blue.

Apple will likely release new AirPods Max in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, so the headphones are still over a year away from receiving an update based on that estimate. New color options are always a possibility in the interim, as happened with the HomePod mini in late 2021.

Article Link: Next AirPods Max Could Adopt These Five Features From Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Pro

 

[livmatus]

maybe a power button would be handy

 

[roland.g]

I noticed one of the features was not more competitive pricing... hmm.

 

[jz0309]

I noticed one of the features was not more competitive pricing... hmm.

yea, while I happily spend $$ on an AW Ultra, I would not buy these, my hearing is not the best and I can get a headset that meets my needs for at least $200 cheaper. and I love my Bose QC35 ...

 

[Remy149]

I noticed one of the features was not more competitive pricing... hmm.

The price is actually more competitive in the category of headsets it occupies then you think. Apple also owns the beats line that can fulfill the needs of more price conscious consumers. I love my AirPods Max however I use the AirPods Pro equally as much. The pros are better for working out and more comfortable on really hot days

 

[iamgalt]

2024 or 2025?!?!?! WTF Apple. How long was it between APP and APP2? I don’t think it was 4 1/2 years.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Sold. My current pair is the best headset I have owned.

 

[tacosmcnooge]

I wish this feature list included support wireless lossless audio. That’s probably when I’ll move on a pair.

 

[serzhs1]

Dah… This is obvious since those features are already available in AirPods Pro 2, which were released a year ago…😳🙄

 

[User 6502]

There is no guarantee there will ever be a new model of AirPod max. For all we know is a dead product, and Apple has shown little interest in updating it, probably because of poor sales. Unsurprising given the price point.

 

[Pakaku]

Until these support audio cables, I think I'll just stick with my Sennheisers.

 

[kp98077]

I like them, but they are heavy... wish apple used lighter materials.

 

[ak99]

Considering this is their most premium model and costs more than twice as much as the Pros, it would be massively disappointing if the new model just included the same chips that were introduced on the Pros 2+ years prior. They need to be introducing brand new technology on this model, not playing catch up on what has already been introduced on the Pros. Ever since the Pro 2 came out I have not touched my Max's a single time. Yes, the sound quality is a bit better on the Max, but absolutely everything else about the Pro 2's are better. And when you consider the extreme portability of the Pros, it takes them over the top. I would never buy another pair of Max's unless they introduced significantly better technology to them.

 

[anthogag]

I have AirPods Max. The next Max should do lossless…with an included cord if it needs to be corded for exceptional lossless sound quality

The case should also be good enough to store the Max in a backpack. Go 🍎

 

[SFjohn]

I love mine for sleeping in a noisy environment, with a little white noise the world fades away. I find them to be super comfortable and definitely worth every penny.

 

[Unity451]

I'd hardly consider a switch to USB-C a feature. A change, yes, but a feature?

With the exception of extending battery life, I think the innovation game on wireless headphones is about maxed out. Future innovations for a while are destined to be minor. There are basically 4 ways that headphones can be improved that would appeal to the masses:

1) Improve sound quality - Apple headphones are about maxed out here. They sound good enough. The average person couldn't tell the difference (or appreciate it) of headphones that are much better than they currently are.

2) Improve sound isolation - You could get better, but how much removal from the outside world is really worth the money it takes to get there?

3) Comfort - Having something on or in your ears for hours is always going to be uncomfortable because we weren't made to have things on or in our ears for hours. Changes to make them more comfortable can't be huge at this point.

4) Style - this is the majority of what people are paying for in new versions. Since the former 3 things can't be changed in a significant way, people are mainly paying for the privilege of wearing the latest, flashiest headphones.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Orange AirPods Max? Please Apple!

 

[roland.g]

I just upgraded my Airpods 2 to Airpods 3 and love the spatial audio. Can't believe that Apple is not only selling these for $550 but unlike the Apple Watch, there is no option to choose the ear cushion color at checkout. Why not make them customizable. You have to spend $70 for a second set if you want some color flavoring.

 

[TalkieToaster]

I'd like it to be able to receive and mix 2 sources at the same time. Sometimes gaming chats aren't ideal. It would be great to be able to mix the PC sound with Skype from my phone for example.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

My hope is that with USB-C it means we can have a lossless mode with the Maxes. I want to be able to get power straight from the aux cable.

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

It probably will come with an H3 chip like the AirPods Pro 3rd gen. likely will have in 2024. H2 will be 2 years old by then. Lol.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

I would like to have the option of a wired connection — given the segment it is in, this seems natural.

 

[edhudley]

While rumors about second-generation AirPods Max have been slim so far, there are a handful of features that the over-ear headphones could adopt from the new Beats Studio Pro and the second-generation AirPods Pro.

Below, we have listed five features that are likely for the next AirPods Max, which are expected to launch later next year at the earliest.

Potential New Features

USB-C Port

Like the Beats Studio Pro, the second-generation AirPods Max could be equipped with a USB-C port for charging rather than Lightning. Apple has gradually phased out Lightning across its product lineup over the past few years, with all four iPhone 15 models launching later this year expected to be equipped with a USB-C port as well.

H2 Chips

The current AirPods Max have an Apple-designed H1 chip in each ear cup, and an upgrade to H2 chips is likely for the next model. Introduced with the second-generation AirPods Pro, the H2 chip enables several benefits, including improved sound, increased active noise cancellation, and Adaptive Transparency mode.

Increased Active Noise Cancellation

With the H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro provide up to twice as much active noise cancellation as the original AirPods Pro, according to Apple. A similar improvement in noise cancellation is likely for the next AirPods Max.

Adaptive Transparency Mode

Transparency mode lets some outside noise in, allowing you to hear a conversation and other ambient sounds. The second-generation AirPods Pro take this feature a step further with Adaptive Transparency mode, which can reduce loud environmental noises, such as a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or loud speakers at a concert. With H2 chips, the next AirPods Max will likely feature Adaptive Transparency mode as well.

Conversation Boost

Conversation Boost is designed to help people with mild hearing challenges stay more connected in conversations. The feature uses the AirPods Pro's beam-forming microphones to boost the volume of a person talking in front of you, making it easier to listen to a face-to-face conversation, and there is also an option to reduce ambient noise. Given the AirPods Max also have beam-forming microphones, perhaps Conversation Boost will eventually be expanded to the over-ear headphones.

Other Possibilities

In January, we outlined several other potential features for the second-generation AirPods Max, including longer battery life, new color options, Bluetooth 5.3 support, a U1 chip that would enable Precision Finding in the Find My app, and more.

Launch Timing

The current AirPods Max launched in December 2020 for $549 in the U.S. and have not received any hardware upgrades since then. The headphones are available in five colors: Space Gray, Silver, Green, Pink, and Sky Blue.

Apple will likely release new AirPods Max in the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, so the headphones are still over a year away from receiving an update based on that estimate. New color options are always a possibility in the interim, as happened with the HomePod mini in late 2021.

Article Link: Next AirPods Max Could Adopt These Five Features From Beats Studio Pro and AirPods Pro

You would think supporting lossless music would’ve been included even in the first generation Max…🙄

 

[Aston441]

How about adopting high quality microphone?

Oops! I forgot, Beats Studio Pro doesn't have that either!!! 😂

 

[kirk.vino]

They really need to redesign them! They’re only ok for the first hour or two and after that the clamping pressure, temperature, and that hard-frame headband get too uncomfortable. I’ve had them since launch, so the mesh is already overstretched to the point that it doesn’t provide much support and the headband starts cutting into your head even at a slightest angle.
The sound quality is very solid, but the rest will need some improvements.
It’s a bit shocking that they’ve decided to wait out until 2024-2025 to update them. I guess, they’re not selling a lot of them and it’s only a niche product.