The new AirPods Max are a huge missed opportunity

Apple’s new refresh of the AirPods Max feels like a missed opportunity. While the tech giant has finally embraced USB-C charging and introduced a splash of new colors, they’ve left some of the most glaring issues unaddressed. Now was the time to fix the big pain points of the AirPods Max, but Apple has done the bare minimum.

The switch to USB-C is undoubtedly welcome. It brings the AirPods Max in line with the rest of Apple’s product lineup and complies with EU regulations. The new color options – midnight, blue, purple, orange, and starlight – offer more variety for those who want to wear their headphones in style. However, these changes feel superficial compared to the fundamental issues that have plagued the AirPods Max since their debut.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this refresh is the retention of the much-maligned “Smart” Case. When we first reviewed the AirPods Max back in 2020, we panned the case for its lack of protection and awkward design. It leaves significant portions of the headphones exposed, barely qualifies as a case, and seems more like an afterthought than a well-designed accessory.

The case’s primary function – to put the headphones into a low-power mode – could have also been easily replaced with a simple power button on the headphones themselves. This glaring omission remains unaddressed in the refresh, forcing users to continue relying on the impractical case for power management and unable to turn off their headphones.

The AirPods Max also still lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to purchase a separate, overpriced cable for wired listening. They also weigh a hefty 385g, significantly heavier than many competitors.

This refresh follows a pattern with other Apple products – minimal updates that fail to address core user concerns. While the AirPods Max remains an excellent pair of headphones regarding sound quality and active noise cancelation, these unresolved issues continue to hold them back on features other competitors are already far ahead with.

Apple had a chance to silence critics and elevate the AirPods Max to new heights. Instead, they’ve offered a new coat of paint and a different charging port, leaving longtime users and potential buyers wanting more.

Will we have to wait another four years for Apple to address these lingering issues?