AirPods Max 2: 6 Reasons the New Apple Headphones Will Be Worth It

Curious about the hype around AirPods Max 2? Here are 6 compelling reasons why Apple’s new headphones could redefine premium sound once again.

The Long-Awaited Return of AirPods Max

If you’ve been following the wireless headphones scene, you know the original AirPods Max headphones dropped back in 2020 — which in tech years feels like forever ago. Since then, rumors have swirled endlessly about the next-gen Apple headphones, the AirPods Max 2.

Fast forward to Apple’s “Awe inspiring” event on September 9, 2025, and guess what? No AirPods Max 2 made an appearance. Instead, we got a fresh dose of AirPods Pro 3 headphones, with Apple boldly claiming they deliver an experience comparable to full-sized headphones. That’s quite the statement, though whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen.

But the real head-scratcher was the most significant update to the current AirPods Max: switching from the Lightning port to USB-C in September 2024. A practical move to keep Apple products in sync and comply with European Union regulations, but hardly the game-changer many fans hoped for.

March 2025 Software Update: A Surprising Highlight

Personally, I’d argue the March 2025 software update was the star of the show, adding Apple Lossless audio support via USB-C. Honestly, the original AirPods Max already sound fantastic, justifying their premium price tag — but this update made them sound even better.

And hey, Apple also threw in some fresh colors—Midnight, Orange, Starlight, Blue, and Purple—giving fans a colorful way to express themselves. Still, when it comes to the much-anticipated AirPods Max 2 with the rumored H2 chip, it looks like we’re in for a longer wait, possibly until 2027.

Despite the silence on the AirPods Max 2 front, the buzz hasn’t died down. The current Max are undeniably Apple's best, offering immersive spatial audio, stellar noise cancellation, and killer sound quality. Yet, compared to the AirPods Pro 2 — with their upgraded U1 and H2 chips, hearing health features, adaptive transparency, and weatherproofing — the Max feel overdue for a significant makeover.

The baseline AirPods 4 headphones even pack active noise cancellation and spatial audio, making the Max feel less exclusive than they should be.

Rumors and Wishlist: What We Hope to See in AirPods Max 2

Before jumping into the juicy wishlist, here’s a quick rundown of what whispers and leaks say about the upcoming AirPods Max 2:

• Expected redesign with lighter weight
• USB-C charging port instead of Lightning
• New vibrant colors (yet to be revealed)
• Same H1 chip as original, which might mean no adaptive audio
• Possible touch controls replacing the Digital Crown
• Enhanced battery life

Reliable insider Ming-Chi Kuo hinted at a “lighter version” of the Max, which would be a welcome change given the current model’s hefty 386 grams — considerably heavier than Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones weighing 250 grams.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman agrees the wait will be long, pegging the next big update for 2027. His take? The AirPods Max sit in a strange spot: too popular to discontinue, but not popular enough to pour major resources into a redesign.

1. A Carrying Case That Actually Carries

If I had to summarize the current AirPods Max case in one brutal phrase? "The dumbest headphone bra ever." Not poetic, but it hits the mark. The case barely shields the delicate aluminum cups and leaves the headband exposed — a classic case of style over substance.

A colleague recently pointed out how Apple should borrow some tricks from Sennheiser, Bose, and Sony, especially regarding the case. Honestly, I’d pay a premium for a sturdy, functional hard case. Other brands manage it; Apple can too, especially if they want to keep their premium status intact.

2. Include a Standard Wired Cable in the Box

Here’s a head-scratcher: the original AirPods Max don’t come with a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. If you want one, Apple charges an extra $35 for a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Sure, since the USB-C port update, you can use the charging cable for wired sound — but isn’t it a bit much to expect customers to buy an extra accessory to get what many competitors include for free? For such a premium product, this feels like penny-pinching.

3. True Multipoint Bluetooth Connectivity

Today, AirPods can seamlessly switch between Apple devices, but they lack standard multipoint Bluetooth pairing as seen in Sony and Bose headphones. Imagine how much easier it would be to toggle between an iPhone and a Windows laptop if AirPods Max 2 supported this feature.

Is this wishful thinking? Probably. But it would be a game changer for users juggling multiple platforms every day.

4. Automatic Left/Right Ear Detection

Here’s a funny recurring frustration: how often do I put my AirPods Max on backwards? More times than I’d like to admit. The controls feel counterintuitive because Apple designed the Digital Crown like the Apple Watch’s dial, which can be worn on either wrist with controls switching sides.

But AirPods Max don’t auto-correct for which ear they’re on. Being able to wear them on either side with the controls adjusting automatically would be pure genius.

5. Modular Components for Personalization

Rumors have been swirling about modular AirPods Max, with swappable headbands and ear cups — think Apple Watch bands but for your headphones. Unfortunately, Apple scrapped the headband idea, though ear pads are relatively easy to change.

Imagine customizing your Max with fun colors or designs. Paying big bucks means wanting to make the device truly yours. Apple, we’re waiting.

What We Know So Far: Early AirPods Max 2 Leaks

Apple’s secret sauce remains well-guarded. So far, leaks reveal:

• Touch controls might replace the Digital Crown
• No adaptive audio feature, sticking with the H1 chip
• USB-C charging port
• Fresh new colors, undisclosed shades yet
• Improved battery life on the horizon

Patent filings hint at gesture-based touch controls in future Max models, possibly ditching the iconic Digital Crown altogether. Another patent suggests Apple is exploring high-fidelity optical audio transmission, though Bluetooth remains the primary connection method.

It’s exciting to imagine the potential, especially since AirPods Pro 2 already feature some of these next-level technologies.

“AirPods Max are the best Apple headphones today, offering truly fantastic sound quality, deeply immersive spatial audio, and excellent noise cancellation technology.”

Wrapping It Up: Why AirPods Max 2 Could Be the Upgrade We’ve Been Waiting For

Though the wait for AirPods Max 2 might stretch into 2027, the potential improvements—from a proper carrying case, standard wired cables, multipoint Bluetooth, to customizable parts—make them a tantalizing prospect.

Apple’s full-sized headphones remain a benchmark for sound quality and innovation, but the next iteration could finally bring them up to speed with the competition and Apple’s own smaller models.

FAQ

• What is the expected release year for AirPods Max 2?
  Rumors suggest a release not before 2027, following a period of minor updates like USB-C adoption.
• Will AirPods Max 2 support USB-C charging?
  Yes, it’s widely expected they will switch from Lightning to USB-C to align with new regulations and product standards.
• Are there any new colors planned for AirPods Max 2?
  Reports hint at fresh color options, but specific shades remain under wraps.
• Will AirPods Max 2 include a wired audio cable?
  While unconfirmed, fans hope Apple will include a standard 3.5mm wired cable in the box this time.
• Is the Digital Crown expected to remain on AirPods Max 2?
  Patent leaks suggest Apple might replace the Digital Crown with touch controls for a sleeker experience.

If you’re as passionate about Apple’s iconic design and sound as we are, why not bring a little Max magic home? Shop your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints to complement your listening space with some stylish vibes.