Apple has unveiled a refreshed version of its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, offering new features and enhanced functionality. With this update, the AirPods Max are now equipped with a USB-C charging port, aligning them with the latest standard used across Apple’s ecosystem, offering more convenience for users who want a unified charging experience across their devices.
The updated AirPods Max also come in an expanded range of colors, giving users more choices when it comes to personalizing their headphones. In addition to the existing color lineup, Apple has introduced striking new options such as Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight, making the headphones not only a tool for superior audio but also a fashion statement.
Apple has also announced that the upcoming iOS 18 software update will bring new audio capabilities to the AirPods Max. One of the key features is Personalized Spatial Audio, which tailors the immersive sound experience to the shape and contours of each user’s ears, offering a more precise and dynamic listening experience. This feature builds on Apple’s existing spatial audio technology, which has been popular for creating theater-like soundscapes when listening to music or watching movies.
While the focus of this update is on charging and color options, Apple has also improved the internal performance of the AirPods Max to ensure they remain at the top of the high-end headphone market. Enhanced noise cancellation technology, along with Transparency Mode, allows users to effortlessly switch between immersing themselves in music and staying aware of their surroundings.
Battery life remains robust with up to 20 hours of listening time, even with Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio enabled. The switch to USB-C charging also means quicker power-ups, making the headphones even more convenient for daily use.
In addition, Apple continues to push its sustainability goals with this update, using recycled materials for the build and packaging of the AirPods Max. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader environmental strategy to reduce waste and lower carbon footprints across its product lines.
Available for pre-order starting at $549, the updated AirPods Max will officially launch on Friday, September 20. With these new updates, Apple is clearly positioning the AirPods Max as both a cutting-edge audio device and a style accessory, catering to audiophiles and trendsetters alike.