Apple’s AirPods Max are a staple for headphones wearers searching for robust lively noise cancellation, spatial audio, and wi-fi efficiency throughout all iOS/macOS gadgets. Launched in December 2020, their age is displaying as they lack the favored options and upgrades discovered on newer releases. If there was a time to introduce the long-rumored AirPods Max 2, it’s proper now.
All the pieces we all know to this point concerning the AirPods Max 2 comes from professional ideas and insider studies, which are sometimes hit and miss, relying on the supply. What’s sure is that the sequel is coming. Till then, Apple has rather a lot to chew over, primarily what their largest ANC competitor has achieved. That opponent is Bose and their all-new QuietComfort Extremely Headphones.
Bose’s flagship has surpassed the wonderful Sony WH-1000XM5 to change into the most effective noise-cancelling headphones general, backed by excellent ANC, terrific 3D audio, and distinctive enhancements that different rivals ought to undertake for his or her next-gen fashions, together with Apple.
If the Cupertino clan anticipate the AirPods Max 2 to be an indominable risk, then it’s time for them to step out of their consolation zone and take these few pages out of Bose’s handbook.
1. Make Spatial Audio common
Bose launched new tech to its QC Extremely Headphones referred to as Immersive Audio, and it is a spatial audio game-changer. The know-how works with all stereo content material. Which means all processing is finished instantly on the headphones, with no reliance on additional {hardware}, nor surround-sound applied sciences like Dolby Atmos. On prime of that, it helps the most effective headtracking know-how of any spatial audio headphone I’ve tried.
Apple’s spatial audio remains to be a prime performer and outranks each different various not developed by Bose. Nonetheless, the know-how is extra restricted in use. It’s solely appropriate with Dolby Atmos content material. For the AirPods Max 2 to go away an enormous impression on media mongers, Apple should discover a solution to increase their 3D audio format to all content material.
2. Get extra artistic with the bodily controls
I really like the dial. It’s a closely underrated characteristic that Apple may have executed a lot extra with. Then they hit a homerun when introducing contact quantity controls on the AirPods Professional 2. Bose took this concept a step additional and built-in a modern and responsive quantity strip on the QC Extremely that registers slide gestures for quantity adjustment. Apple can both play it secure and add the AirPods Professional 2’s contact quantity controls or do one thing extra progressive like Bose. We advocate the latter.
3. Implement extra conventional design options
All the pieces concerning the unique AirPods Max appeared ultramodern, from the aluminum earcups to the mesh headband to the unibody body. To not point out the magnetic good case that was a transparent try at drawing in fashion-forward Apple customers. For all its ingenious traits, the AirPods Max’s design additionally lacks primary and sensible parts.
As an illustration, the headphones will not be collapsible. The earcups can pivot to the facet, however that does little for portability. Bose realized the onerous away about unibody designs through the 700 headphones, which regardless of being a visible stunner, acquired backlash because of their non-collapsible kind. Bose fastened this on the QC Extremely and went for a extra conventional, elegant look.
Apple has the possibility to do one thing exceptional by making the AirPods Max 2’s design collapsible, whereas sustaining its predecessor’s look. Extra importantly, ditching the poorly protected Magic Case for a zippered hard-shell case with mesh pockets will maintain the headphones safer.
4. Add third-party codec assist
Apple’s dedication to ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) is holding again the AirPods’ wi-fi audio potential. The Apple Music catalog is “encoded utilizing ALAC in resolutions starting from 16-bit/44.1 kHz (CD High quality) as much as 24-bit/192 kHz,” however no wi-fi headphones or earbuds assist lossless streaming. Not even the AirPods Max. Wired headphones and a conveyable DAC are required to take pleasure in lossless audio. Apple’s Lightning connection would not assist lossless audio natively.
The AirPods Max 2 can achieve some sonic credibility if Apple welcomed another hi-res lossless codec. Bose added Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive know-how to the QC Extremely, which gives hi-res Bluetooth playback that dynamically scales the info price from 279kpbs to 420kbps for clearer, extra detailed sound with minimal latency. This characteristic isn’t supported on any iOS or macOS gadgets, however it’s one which Apple ought to significantly think about for future releases, even when it means tweaking their ecosystem to assist it.
5. Step up ANC
The AirPods Max supply strong ANC and adaptive listening modes. Nonetheless, they pale compared to what the Bose 700 and QC Extremely ship. We’ve got no doubts that Apple will strengthen noise discount on the AirPods Max 2. As for whether or not the characteristic might be as efficient in opposition to incidental sounds as Bose’s flagship fashions — previous and current — we’ll have to attend and see.
Lastly, please decrease the value
Are you able to consider Apple remains to be promoting their three-year-old headphones for $549? That was their unique launch value.
In the meantime, class leaders just like the QC Extremely Heaphones ($429) and Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399) retail for a lot decrease. Working example, if Apple expects to compete with the most effective, then the AirPods Max 2 should launch a lower cost level. My advice: $449.
