Apple has given its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, a modest refresh nearly four years after their initial release. While some fans may have hoped for more substantial upgrades, the changes are primarily cosmetic and connectivity-focused.
New Colors to Choose From
The most noticeable update is the introduction of five new color options:
- Starlight
- Midnight
- Purple
- Orange
- Blue
These fresh hues aim to breathe new life into the aging product line and appeal to style-conscious consumers.
USB-C Finally Arrives
In a long-awaited move, Apple has replaced the Lightning port on the AirPods Max with USB-C. This change brings the headphones in line with the rest of Apple's audio lineup and complies with EU regulations. Users will appreciate the convenience of using a single cable to charge multiple devices.
Software Enhancements
When iOS 18 is released, AirPods Max owners can look forward to gaining support for Apple's Personalized Spatial Audio feature. This software update should enhance the listening experience, though it's unclear if any hardware changes were made to support this functionality.
What's Missing?
Despite the refresh, several hoped-for upgrades are notably absent:
- No improvements to audio quality or support for lossless audio
- Lack of weather resistance or IP rating
- Missing newer features like Conversation Awareness found in the AirPods Pro 2
Pricing Remains Unchanged
Perhaps most disappointingly for potential buyers, the price of the AirPods Max remains at $549, despite the relatively minor nature of the updates.
While these changes may not be enough to sway new customers or encourage existing owners to upgrade, they do help keep the AirPods Max relevant in Apple's product lineup. For those who have been eyeing these premium headphones, the new color options and USB-C connectivity might be just enough to tip the scales.