Select Language:
Apple’s entry into the high-end over-ear headphone market with the AirPods Max was generally well received. They offered excellent noise cancellation and transparency, delivering rich sound quality and a distinctive design that set them apart.
After about five years on the market, Apple released an update that brought lossless audio with ultra-low latency, as well as the ability to customize and create Spatial Audio with head tracking capabilities. Around the same time, the company shifted from the Lightning connector to a USB-C port in a minor refresh earlier this year.
If you’ve been holding out for a significant upgrade to the AirPods Max, it’s worth noting that Apple isn’t currently developing a new version. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company’s focus is presently on the M5 Mac, a refreshed iPad, new iPhones, an updated HomePod, and an external display — leaving the next generation of flagship headphones off the agenda for now.
Image: The Apple AirPods Max resting on a surface, viewed from the side.
Despite the wait, the AirPods Max remains one of the top choices in premium headphones, especially for those who prioritize effective noise cancellation and transparency modes. They maintain a unique look, and Apple’s consistent design approach suggests the basic form will likely stay the same even after five years.
However, competitors have made notable strides in areas like weight and features. For example, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones weigh just under 9 ounces, significantly lighter than the AirPods Max’s 13.6 ounces. They also offer a sleek foldable design with excellent build quality.
Image: A pair of blue AirPods Max sitting on a table.
The Sony headphones also boast a 30-hour battery life with noise canceling enabled—50% more than Apple’s offering—and support customizable EQ settings accessible via a companion app compatible with both Android and iOS. Audiophiles might prefer Sony for supporting the LDAC codec, which streams high-resolution audio, whereas the AirPods Max are limited to SBC and AAC codecs.
Price-wise, despite multiple generations, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are still priced about $100 less than the AirPods Max, which retail at around $549 in the United States. Other strong options include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sonos Arc, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, all offering a well-rounded listening experience at a lower cost.
The future of Apple’s over-ear headphones remains uncertain. If Apple plans a long-term strategy, we might see a lighter build, enhanced audiophile features, and perhaps integration with emerging wearable AI technologies. Only time will tell what direction they take.
Image: The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones sitting on a table.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
