Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, are unlikely to see a meaningful update anytime soon, according to a new report.
Despite being praised for their sound quality, noise cancellation, and iconic design, Apple’s flagship headphones are being sidelined as the company prioritizes other products.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple’s audio division is currently not working on a next-generation AirPods Max. Instead, resources are directed toward upcoming M5 Mac and iPad refreshes, new iPhones, an external display, and an updated HomePod.
“It makes more sense for the company’s audio team to focus on cranking out new in-ear AirPods annually, as well as supporting speakers and microphones in other products,” Gurman wrote.
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That means fans hoping for major performance boosts or design changes may be waiting far longer than expected.
Why the competition is pulling ahead
While the AirPods Max remain a top choice for noise cancellation, transparency mode, and sound quality, rivals have steadily overtaken Apple in several key areas.
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Weight & comfort: Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are nearly 5 oz lighter and come with a foldable design for portability.
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Battery life: Sony’s flagship cans last 30 hours with ANC on, compared to AirPods Max’s 20 hours.
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Customization: Sony also offers LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio, plus robust EQ tuning via its companion app — something missing in Apple’s ecosystem.
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Pricing: AirPods Max still retail at $549 in the US, while competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sonos Ace, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are not only cheaper but offer better flexibility for both Android and iOS users.
Apple did make incremental changes earlier this year, including a USB-C switch and support for lossless ultra-low latency audio with spatial mixing features. However, the core design, codec limitations, and high pricing remain unchanged five years after launch.
For Apple enthusiasts, the AirPods Max continue to deliver an excellent listening experience. But for those looking for innovation in portability, battery life, and audio fidelity, rivals may be the more compelling option in 2025.
