AirPods Max: Stuck in Commercial Limbo

Attention AirPods Max enthusiasts! If you're dreaming of a second-gen model of Apple's beloved over-ear headphones, you might want to brace yourself for disappointment. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the future of AirPods Max is looking quite uncertain.

Too Popular Yet Not Popular Enough?

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reveals that Apple's audio marvels are caught in a tricky spot: they're too sought after to be discontinued, yet not quite popular enough for Apple to pour a significant investment into developing a new version. It’s a conundrum that leaves fans on edge.

The Dismal Timeline Ahead

This comes on the heels of earlier speculation from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who suggested that we might not see AirPods Max 2 in mass production until 2027. Gurman echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Apple's audio team is prioritizing annual updates for standard AirPods and enhancing features for their other devices.

A Lackluster Update Last Year

Last year, Apple demonstrated its lukewarm commitment to the AirPods Max by issuing only a minor update—adding USB-C charging to adhere to new EU regulations and introducing a few fresh color options. But beyond that? No substantial upgrades. Frustrating, right?

A Record-Breaking Wait

It has now been nearly five years since the original AirPods Max made its debut in December 2020, which Gurman points out is an unusually long stretch for an Apple product without a significant refresh. This has fans eagerly wondering: will Apple ever truly elevate the AirPods Max experience?

What’s Next for Apple?

While the fate of AirPods Max remains unclear, fans can anticipate the upcoming release of the new AirPods Pro 3 this fall. But will that fill the void? Only time will tell!