Apple's premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, have reached a significant milestone, marking their fifth anniversary today. Launched on December 15, 2020, they stand as one of Apple's longest-running products without receiving a genuine second-generation model. Remarkably, they continue to sell at their original launch price of $549, despite relying on technology that is now considered aging in the fast-paced audio market.
A High-Profile Launch Followed by Extended Delays
The arrival of the AirPods Max followed months of intense speculation about Apple's plans to enter the high-end audio segment, with early rumours dubbing them "AirPods Studio." Apple bypassed a traditional event, opting for a surprise press release to debut the headphones. However, strong initial demand led to significant shipping delays, stretching for several months after the announcement.
The headphones introduced a distinctive design with a flexible mesh headband and magnetic ear cushions. Their core strength was deep integration into the Apple ecosystem, powered by the H1 chip. Key features at launch included premium Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a Transparency mode for hearing surroundings, Spatial Audio for an immersive experience, and automatic switching between Apple devices.
Mounting Criticisms and Stagnant Technology
Over five years, user complaints have painted a picture of a product showing its age. Common issues reported include condensation building up inside the ear cups, a decline in ANC performance over time, concerns about the headband's long-term durability, and widespread criticism of the impractical "Smart Case" that doesn't fully protect the headphones.
The most significant point of contention is the internal hardware. The AirPods Max still utilise the H1 chip from 2019. This means they lack several intelligent features that have since become standard in newer AirPods models, such as Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness. A refresh in the previous year disappointed many loyal customers, as it only added USB-C charging and new colour options without any meaningful upgrade to the core technology.
What's Next? The Long Wait for AirPods Max 2
According to noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, a second-generation model is not expected to enter production until 2027. This extended timeline is unusual for Apple's typical product refresh cycles. The anticipated update might bring a lighter design, a potential upgrade to the H2 chip or its successor, improved battery life, and enhanced noise cancellation capabilities.
This prolonged wait leaves the current AirPods Max in a challenging position. While they are often available at discounted prices from various retailers, they face fierce competition from other manufacturers who have aggressively advanced their own premium headphone offerings over the past half-decade. For potential buyers, industry observers suggest that waiting for the rumoured 2027 update might be a wiser choice than investing in the current-generation model, which is now a five-year-old design at its core.
