When to Expect New AirPods Max to Launch

It has been more than three years since Apple released the AirPods Max, leading some to wonder when the over-ear headphones will be updated.

Airpods Max Feature Blue
Below, we outline when to expect new AirPods Max, and rumored features.

Timing

In an October 2023 edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple planned to release new AirPods Max in "late 2024," so the headphones are likely around 7-10 months away from being updated based on that timeframe.

Apple announced the current AirPods Max in a press release on December 8, 2020, and the headphones launched a week later.

New Features

Apple is only planning minor changes for the AirPods Max, including a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging and wired audio playback, according to Gurman. He also said the headphones will be available in new color options. The current color options include Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray.

Gurman said the updated headphones will still be considered first-generation AirPods Max, signifying how minor the changes may be.

The updated AirPods Max will likely support Bluetooth 5.3, up from Bluetooth 5.0, for more reliable and power-efficient wireless audio connectivity.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Roundup Feature 2

iPhone Design to Change 'Significantly' This Year

Monday February 17, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple is set to "significantly change" the iPhone's design language later this year, according to a Weibo leaker. In a new post, the user known "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone's design is "starting to change significantly" this year. The "iPhone 17 Air" reportedly features a "horizontal, bar-shaped" design on the rear, likely referring to an elongated camera bump. On the other...
Apple iPhone 16e Feature

Apple Announces iPhone 16e With A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence, Pricing Starts at $599

Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:02 am PST by
Apple today introduced the iPhone 16e, its newest entry-level smartphone. The device succeeds the third-generation iPhone SE, which has now been discontinued. The iPhone 16e features a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, up from a 4.7-inch LCD on the iPhone SE. The display has a notch for Face ID, and this means that Apple no longer sells any iPhones with a Touch ID fingerprint button, marking the ...
iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Coming Next Week With These New Features for Your iPhone

Friday February 14, 2025 6:18 am PST by
The first iOS 18.4 beta for iPhones should be just around the corner, and the update is expected to include many new features and changes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects the iOS 18.4 beta to be released by next week. Below, we outline what to expect from iOS 18.4 so far. Apple Intelligence for Siri Siri is expected to get several enhancements powered by Apple Intelligence on iOS...
apple launch feb 2025

Tim Cook Teases an 'Apple Launch' Next Wednesday

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:07 am PST by
In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased an upcoming "launch" of some kind scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. "Get ready to meet the newest member of the family," he said, with an #AppleLaunch hashtag. The post includes a short video with an animated Apple logo inside a circle. Cook did not provide an exact time for the launch, or share any other specific details, so...
iphone 17 pro asherdipps

iPhone 17 Pro Models Rumored to Feature Aluminum Frame Instead of Titanium Frame

Tuesday February 18, 2025 12:02 pm PST by
Over the years, Apple has switched from an aluminum frame to a stainless steel frame to a titanium frame for its highest-end iPhones. And now, it has been rumored that Apple will go back to using aluminum for three out of four iPhone 17 models. In an investor note with research firm GF Securities, obtained by MacRumors this week, Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu said the iPhone 17, iPhone...
Apple 2025 Thumb 1

Two of Apple's Oldest Products Are Finally Getting Updated This Year

Friday February 14, 2025 6:03 am PST by
Apple released the HomePod mini in November 2020, followed by the AirTag in May 2021, and both still remain first-generation products. Fortunately, rumors suggest that both the HomePod mini and the AirTag will finally be updated at some point this year. Below, we recap rumors about the HomePod mini 2 and AirTag 2. HomePod mini 2 In January 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is ...
macbook air blue

Gurman: M4 MacBook Air Models to Launch by March 'At the Latest'

Monday February 17, 2025 2:30 am PST by
Apple will begin selling new MacBook Air models featuring its latest M4 chip by March "at the latest," mirroring the time frame of the M3 MacBook Air launch last year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple last updated the MacBook Air line in March 2024. Gurman's comments appeared in his latest Power On newsletter, suggesting the reporter is no further forward on learning the exact...
iPhone 17 Air Front Page Tech 2

'iPhone 17 Air' With Ultra-Thin Design Allegedly Revealed in New Video

Monday February 17, 2025 6:53 pm PST by
YouTube channel Front Page Tech today revealed the alleged design of Apple's widely-rumored "iPhone 17 Air" model, set to launch later this year. "iPhone 17 Air" render created by @zellzoi for Front Page Tech In a video uploaded today, Front Page Tech shared renders depicting what it believes is likely the final design of the "iPhone 17 Air." The device is expected to feature an ultra-thin...

Top Rated Comments

CarAnalogy Avatar
13 months ago
Answer: the moment your return window closes for the pair you bought on sale from the other post.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
13 months ago

Gurman said the updated headphones will still be considered first-generation AirPods Max, signifying how minor the changes may be.
Seriously difficult to believe this element.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VisceralRealist Avatar
13 months ago

I love how MR presents speculative second-hand information as a matter of fact.
I love how users are repeatedly shocked and appalled that a site called MacRumors reports rumors. I mean, it's almost like "rumors" is in the name of the site. It's almost like they specify that information is rumored. What's next, alleged updates? The nerve! ?

But yeah, what an underwhelming update if true. Four years with nothing, and it's not even going to be a new generation? On one hand I find these rumors hard to believe, but I also wouldn't put it past Apple. Over-ear headphones are niche, and these can't bring in anywhere near the revenue that non-Max AirPods do.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mashinhead Avatar
13 months ago
I love how MR presents speculative second-hand information as a matter of fact.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yanksfan114 Avatar
13 months ago
It would be ridiculous if that rumor it was keeping the H1 chips was true. Imagine Apple putting two 5-year-old chips in the updated AirPods Max instead of the 2 year old H2 chip or an updated H3. Especially for a $550.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattopotamus Avatar
13 months ago
I have always used over the ear headphones for travel, but damn the AirPod pros are solid. I don't think I'll ever go back to over the ear for travel. Not sure if others feel the same way? I felt it was relevant because I think that is a lot of the market for over the hear headphones.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)