AirPods Max 2: Release Date, Price, Features & Everything We Know

The AirPods Max stand as Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, renowned for their excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation. But going on 3 years old, the AirPods Max are due for an upgrade in 2023 to bring new features and improvements.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down all the rumors regarding the AirPods Max 2 price, release date, design changes, specs, features, and other expected upgrades based on Apple’s patents.

AirPods Max: Still Great but Showing Their Age

The original AirPods Max launched in December 2020 at a steep $549 price. While certainly not cheap, they won over many critics and users with their superb audio fidelity, comfort, and best-in-class noise canceling.

However, the AirPods Max haven’t received any updates since their debut over 2 years ago. And Apple itself has raised the bar with the new AirPods Pro 2 earbuds that boast enhanced audio, noise cancellation and other neat tricks like adaptive transparency mode.

Meanwhile, the competition caught up with excellent over-ear models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Beats Studio3 Wireless. Suddenly, the AirPods Max feel a bit dated and lacking in key features for their premium pricing.

Now sitting at $449, a refresh is overdue to maintain the AirPods Max’s status as Apple’s flagship headphones. Let’s look at the improvements expected in an AirPods Max 2 and when they might release.

AirPods Max 2 Release Date

Credible rumors point to the AirPods Max 2 launching around Fall 2023, likely alongside the iPhone 15.

This release timeframe lines up with roughly 2.5 years after the original model. It also provides a compelling upgrade for iPhone users who want Apple’s most advanced headphones.

The only wrinkle is a sketchier rumor claiming the AirPods Max 2 got pushed back to 2024. We view this as unlikely, as Apple needs to update the AirPods Max sooner rather than later.

Overall, targeting an Fall 2023 launch makes the most sense for the next generation. This gives Apple time to perfect the improvements they have in store.

AirPods Max 2 Pricing

Given their premium nature and extensive use of metal and leather, the AirPods Max seem destined to remain highly priced.

Here are the potential pricing scenarios we foresee:

• Match original at $549 – If updates are minor, same price is likely
• $499 – Drop $50 to better compete with alternatives
• $599 – Increase if major upgrades like lossless audio

Our best guess is the AirPods Max 2 will launch at $549, the same initial MSRP as the current models. While still very expensive, this maintains their positioning as Apple’s top-tier headphones.

If Apple goes lower to $499, don’t expect a radical redesign. But a higher $599 price could accompany more significant changes like lossless audio support that we’ll cover next.

AirPods Max 2 Features and Updates

While Apple has not confirmed any specs, we can extrapolate potential AirPods Max 2 features based on leaks and Apple patents. Here are some of the updates we expect:

Redesigned Case

The current AirPods Max case drew widespread criticism for its bizarre shape and lack of protection. Apple will likely go back to the drawing board for a complete case redesign that properly covers and powers the headphones when not in use.

USB-C Charging

With iPhones switching to USB-C in 2023, the AirPods Max will almost certainly follow suit. This allows for easier connectivity with Macs and iPads along with potential faster charging.

New Colors

Apple frequently rolls out new color options with “S” model iPhones and Apple Watches. We could see new AirPods Max hues like Product(Red), blue, purple or others alongside the black and silver.

Lossless Audio Support

This highly requested feature allows listeners to take full advantage of Apple Music’s lossless libraries for superlative sound quality – something the original AirPods Max disappointingly lacks.

Making the AirPods Max 2 truly high-fidelity headphones would help justify their premium pricing. Apple may need a new wireless chip to make this happen though.

Touch Controls

In a patent granted after the original launch, Apple detailed touch-sensitive areas on the headphones for added controls beyond the Digital Crown. However, we view this as an unlikely change.

Improved Battery Life

Faster, more efficient chips could moderately improve battery life. But substantial gains seem improbable without a larger design. Moderate improvements combined with a better case could help nonetheless.

Noise Cancellation Enhancements

Updates to match the excellent transparency mode and noise canceling performance of the AirPods Pro 2 would make the AirPods Max 2 more competitive. But Apple’s over-ear noise canceling is already industry-leading.

Should You Wait for the AirPods Max 2?

The AirPods Max still represent the pinnacle of Apple’s audio lineup. But with likely updates coming in 2023, you may want to wait for the AirPods Max 2 if:

• You want lossless hi-fi sound quality
• Refinements like USB-C and a better case appeal to you
• Improved noise canceling and battery life are important
• You prefer buying the latest models

That said, expect only iterative changes rather than a revolutionary redesign. If you can find the originals discounted to $400 or less, they remain a terrific audio investment even if a bit dated.

For most buyers though, holding off for the long-awaited AirPods Max 2 launching alongside the iPhone 15 in Fall 2023 is probably wise to get the latest Apple has to offer.