Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, may not be getting a major upgrade anytime soon, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Despite their strong reputation for sound quality, noise cancellation, and premium build, Apple’s focus has shifted toward other product lines.
No Next-Gen AirPods Max in Development
Reports suggest Apple’s audio division is currently not working on a next-generation AirPods Max. Instead, resources are being allocated to the upcoming M5 Mac and iPad refreshes, next-gen iPhones, an external display, and an updated HomePod. Gurman explained that Apple sees more value in refreshing its in-ear AirPods annually while maintaining audio features across its ecosystem.
This means fans hoping for performance improvements, longer battery life, or a redesigned AirPods Max may be left waiting for several more years.
Why Rivals Are Beating Apple
While AirPods Max remain popular, competing brands are pushing ahead in areas Apple has not addressed:
- Weight & Comfort: Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are nearly 5 oz lighter and foldable for portability.
- Battery Life: Sony offers 30 hours of playback with ANC on, compared to AirPods Max’s 20 hours.
- Customization: Sony supports LDAC high-resolution audio and advanced EQ tuning, features missing in Apple’s ecosystem.
- Price Advantage: At $549, AirPods Max are significantly pricier than rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sonos Ace, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.
Only Minor Updates Since Launch
Since their debut in 2020, AirPods Max have seen only small changes — most recently a USB-C charging port and support for lossless ultra-low latency audio. The core design, codec limitations, and high retail price remain unchanged.
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For Apple loyalists, the AirPods Max still deliver top-tier audio and spatial sound. But in 2025, with competitors offering better portability, battery endurance, and customization at lower prices, Apple risks falling behind in the premium headphone market.
