Upcoming AirPods Max in 2024 to get USB-C charging, but still missing H2 chip
Apple is not slated to update the AirPods Max until late 2024, and as per insights from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these forthcoming changes are going to be rather subdued.
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman highlights that the expected updates will primarily revolve around new colorways and an updated charging method. Specifically, Apple will make the switch from the Lightning port to USB-C, a move attributed to compliance with EU regulations and to establish a uniform charging standard across its entire product range, including the AirPods lineup.
However, more advanced features such as the H2 chip, known for capabilities like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, are not expected to be integrated into the AirPods Max in the near future. This is a true disappointment for those looking forward to those features in Apple's flagship AirPods, considering the fact that these features already exist in the AirPods Pro, which cost significantly less than the Max.
Nevertheless, Gurman does leave a sliver of possibility for adjustments in Apple's plans between now and the expected release of the updated AirPods Max. It's worth noting that the AirPods Max will be almost 4 years old by the time Apple brings the updates, and given its hefty price tag and recent competition from Bose and Sony, it will be interesting to see how Apple manages to keep the premium headphones lucrative to potential buyers.
Source(s)
Mark Gurman via Bloomberg
