Apple’s high-end AirPods Max headphones are set to remain unchanged after a year of the USB-C model’s release, according to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter. The $549 headphones, introduced in 2020, didn’t receive significant upgrades with the newer USB-C version in September 2024.
Gurman suggests that AirPods Max aren’t a “hot enough” seller to warrant further development investment, but not a commercial failure severe enough to eliminate them. Despite their outdated technology and high price, the headphones have found a niche market among upscale gym-goers.
The forecast for AirPods Max is bleak: they’ll likely remain in their current form for the next few years before receiving significant updates. Gurman’s prediction that Apple will maintain AirPods Max around as “lame duck” products raises questions about the company’s priorities and willingness to invest in customer feedback.
Some commenters disagree, pointing out that Apple could improve sales by introducing new features at a reasonable price. However, it seems unlikely that Apple has an incentive to lower prices for AirPods Max due to their existing market position.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2024/11/24