TechAudioHeadphonesAirPods Max and AirPods 4 still expected this year with USB-C chargingApple is still on track to update its best true wireless headphones and earbuds for a 2024 releaseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioHeadphonesAirPods Max and AirPods 4 still expected this year with USB-C chargingApple is still on track to update its best true wireless headphones and earbuds for a 2024 releaseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Apple is still on track to update its best true wireless headphones and earbuds for a 2024 release
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Apple’sAirPods MaxandAirPods (3rd gen)feel like they’ve been around forever, and that’s because they have: with launch dates of 2020 and late 2020 respectively they’re effectively the pensioners of thebest headphonesparty.
Age isn’t necessarily a problem when it comes to audio kit – some of thebest turntablesaround haven’t changed much since the 1970s – but Apple’s earbuds and over-ears aren’t just audio hardware but tech products too, and some of that tech is starting to look old in the tooth. For example myAirPodsMax are still rocking a Lightning connector long after the world, and even Apple, embraced USB-C.
Apple was widely expected to update its AirPods Max and AirPods 3rd Gen this year, but things have been quiet on the rumour front for some months now. However a new report says that the updated headphones and earbuds are still on track for a 2024 release.
What to expect from AirPods Max 2 and AirPods (4th gen)
According to Bloomberg.com’s Mark Gurman, the plan for a late 2024 update is still very much under way; Apple intends to discontinue the second and third generation AirPods in favour of a new design that delivers better comfort, better sound quality and a USB-C charging case. There may also be a more premium model with noise cancellation and a speaker in the case that’ll work with Apple’s Find My hardware location tracking.
The AirPods Max are barely going to change at all, however. USB-C is a definite, for both charging and for wired audio, but other than the possibility of some new colours Apple is reportedly quite happy with the rest of the AirPods Max specification. That’s a little bit disappointing because while Apple’s headphones are undoubtedly good, they’re not as technologically advanced as the AirPods Pro 2, which have adaptive audio and conversational awareness. It seems odd that Apple wouldn’t at least want to bring the AirPods Max up to the same standard given that they’re the flagship of Apple’s headphone range.
According to Gurman there won’t be an update to the AirPods Pro this year; that’s currently pencilled in for 2025.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
