Graphic: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple could start shipping the second-generation AirPods Max and the AirPods Lite in the second half of 2024 at the earliest or the first half of 2025.
Announced in late 2020, the $549 AirPods Max has not received any refresh since their launch in late 2020.
Next-gen AirPods Max might pack some much-needed upgrades
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Luxshare ICT and Hon Teng could assemble the next-gen AirPods Max. His tweet does not provide more insight into what to expect from Apple’s premium headphones.
Despite its high price tag, the $549 AirPods Max did not exactly receive positive reviews and consumer feedback. Many reviews praised its sound quality and ANC but found its carrying case of little use. The headphones were also extremely buggy at launch, with Apple rolling out multiple firmware updates to resolve the battery drain issues.
If the AirPods Pro 2 are anything to go by, the next-gen AirPods Max will likely feature an H2 chip for improved sound quality and ANC. They should ditch the Lightning port in favor of USB-C for charging purposes. Apple could also include a U1 chip in the headphones for Precision Finding support.
Apple is not expected to announce any significant new upgrades for its AirPods lineup this year. The company is busy focusing on its AR/VR headset’s launch and the iPhone 15 series for 2023.
$99 AirPods Lite is also under development
Kuo also says Apple will launch a cheaper $99 AirPods alongside the new AirPods Max. The company has long been rumored to work on AirPods Lite, but there have not been many leaks surrounding it. This model could help the Cupertino giant gain a stronghold in the wireless earbuds market and prevent other companies from eating into its market share.
If Apple manages to price the AirPods Lite at $99, it will make them the cheapest earbuds in its lineup. The 2nd gen AirPods is currently the most affordable wireless earphones that Apple sells, with a price tag of $129.