Apple’s audio products have been a staple in the tech world, but the company’s roadmap for its AirPods lineup seems more uncertain than ever. While incremental updates have been introduced, substantial advancements for certain models, such as the AirPods Max, remain a question mark.
AirPods Max 2: Future Unclear Amid Sluggish Sales
The premium AirPods Max headphones have not seen a significant upgrade since their debut in late 2020. Despite early reports suggesting that Apple was exploring a second-generation model, recent insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman paint a less optimistic picture.
In November 2024, Gurman stated that Apple currently has “no concrete plans” to introduce meaningful upgrades to the AirPods Max. Instead, the company appears focused on minor tweaks, such as the addition of USB-C charging and new color options, which were rolled out earlier this year. The headphones continue to use the older H1 chip, leaving out newer features like Adaptive Audio and improved noise cancellation seen in other AirPods models.
Industry insiders believe that low sales are a major factor behind Apple’s reluctance to allocate resources for a significant redesign. Although rumors hint at possible future upgrades, such as better audio chips and wired Lossless support, these remain speculative at best. For now, it seems the AirPods Max will stay in their current form.
AirPods Pro 3: Health-Focused Features Rumored for 2025
In contrast to the stagnant development of the AirPods Max, Apple appears to have ambitious plans for its AirPods Pro line. According to rumors, the AirPods Pro 3, expected in 2025, could introduce a host of health-focused features.
These advancements might include enhancements to Apple’s existing hearing aid functionality, alongside the integration of a body temperature sensor that uses the ear canal for more precise readings. This feature, if true, would surpass the accuracy of temperature measurement on the Apple Watch, which relies on wrist-based sensors. Speculation also suggests the earbuds might offer early warnings for potential health issues like colds.
While these rumored features sound innovative, it’s important to approach them with caution until Apple provides official confirmation.
AirPods 4 and Beyond: Apple’s Evolving Earbud Strategy
Apple’s most recent updates to its standard AirPods lineup came with the release of two AirPods 4 models in late 2024. These earbuds brought incremental improvements, such as the H2 chip, USB-C support, and up to 30 hours of battery life. The high-end version also features active noise cancellation (ANC) and enhanced Find My functionality.
Interestingly, earlier speculation about an “AirPods Lite” product to compete with budget wireless earbuds might have materialized in these updates. However, Apple has not confirmed whether a distinct budget-friendly model is in development.
Looking ahead, details on AirPods 5 remain scarce, as Apple likely assesses the market performance of its current generation before deciding on future enhancements.
The Big Picture
Apple’s AirPods lineup appears to be evolving cautiously, with significant innovation reserved for its more affordable and widely-used models. The AirPods Max, despite its premium price point, may not see a major overhaul anytime soon, leaving fans of the over-ear headphones in a holding pattern.
As for the AirPods Pro 3 and potential health-focused features, the wait until 2025 might be worth it for users looking for advanced functionality. Until then, Apple seems content with refining its existing products while keeping its most groundbreaking developments under wraps.