Apple's highly anticipated It's Glowtime event is just hours away, and last-minute rumors suggest a surprising addition to the lineup: a new generation of AirPods Max. While the iPhone 16 series and Apple Watch updates are expected to take center stage, tech enthusiasts may have another reason to tune in.
Unexpected Upgrade
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a typically reliable source for Apple leaks, the AirPods Max 2 could make an appearance at today's event. This comes as a shift from earlier predictions, which had downplayed the likelihood of an AirPods Max refresh due to healthy inventory of the first-generation model.
What's New?
If the rumors hold true, here's what we might expect from the AirPods Max 2:
- Improved Audio Performance: Apple is said to focus on enhancing the overall sound quality.
- Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Already a strong point for the original model, the ANC capabilities are rumored to be even better.
- Adaptive Audio: This feature, currently available on AirPods Pro, dynamically adjusts audio based on your environment.
- USB-C Port: In line with industry trends and regulatory pressures, the Lightning port may be replaced with USB-C.
Design and Pricing
While these internal upgrades sound promising, don't expect a radical redesign. The overall look and feel of the AirPods Max 2 are likely to remain similar to its predecessor, with the possibility of new color options.
Pricing remains a question mark. The original AirPods Max launched at a premium $549 price point. For Apple to justify maintaining this price tier, significant improvements would be expected.
A Broader AirPods Refresh?
The potential AirPods Max 2 announcement isn't the only AirPods news we might hear today. Rumors also point to the debut of two new AirPods 4 models, with one variant possibly featuring active noise cancellation.
As we count down the hours to Apple's It's Glowtime event, the possibility of an AirPods Max refresh adds an extra layer of excitement. Whether you're in the market for premium over-ear headphones or simply curious about Apple's latest audio innovations, this unexpected addition to the lineup is certainly worth watching for.
Stay tuned for our comprehensive coverage of Apple's announcements as they unfold later today.