Overview
- Apple released AirPods Max on December 15, 2020, and they remain listed at $549 in the U.S., though retailers frequently discount them.
- Last year’s hardware refresh swapped Lightning for USB-C and added new colors, and Apple has not treated that revision as a second generation.
- This year’s software delivered lossless and ultra-low latency audio, but the headphones still use the 2019 H1 chip and lack newer AirPods features like Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, and Conversation Awareness.
- Users and reviewers continue to flag issues including condensation in the earcups, declining ANC strength over time, headband durability concerns, and frustration with the Smart Case.
- Analysts and rumor reporters, including Ming‑Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman, expect a lighter overhaul around 2027, which remains unannounced by Apple.