After nearly four years, Apple finally updated its most premium headphones. But instead of a new generation of AirPods Max, the company refreshed the existing over-ear headphones with USB-C support and a few new colors.
With a price of $549, the updated AirPods Max will retain their status as Apple’s most expensive AirPods, although the updates are mainly cosmetic. The over-ear headphones will now be available in five new colors: Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight.
Apple is also ditching the Lightning connector for a USB-C port, as it did with its Beats Studio Pro headphones. The lightly refreshed headphones will go on sale on September 20 and are available to pre-order now.
But anyone hoping for a more significant upgrade may be disappointed. The latest AirPods Max will have exactly the same design, with Apple’s “breathable knit mesh” band, stainless steel frame, and memory foam cups. The company didn’t upgrade its chip from the H1, or add any new audio features to the nearly four-year-old headphones.
That could be because Apple is saving a major update for 2025. Bloomberg reports that Apple plans an AirPods Max upgrade by the end of next year.
However, those looking for upgraded audio will find some big improvements elsewhere in the AirPods lineup. Apple introduced two new versions of its standard, non-Pro buds alongside the AirPods 4. The in-ear buds come with the H2 chip, support “adaptive audio” features, and have an option for active noise cancellation.
But it’s not just about cutting the cord. The best wireless headphones pack some serious tech, delivering great sound quality that can rival their wired counterparts.
Many even come with advanced features like active noise cancellation (ANC), so you can block out distractions and fully immerse yourself in your tunes, podcasts, or calls. Whether you’re looking for over-ear headphones that are lightweight and portable or with killer battery life, there’s a wireless option for everyone and every budget.
The 1000XM5 still have all the features that usually make Sony’s top-of-the-line headphones showstoppers. That includes 30 hours of battery life and crisp, clear sound with balanced tuning and punchy bass. A combo of touch controls and physical buttons gives you on-board access to music, call, and noise modes without reaching for your phone.
Speak-to-chat automatically pauses audio when you start talking, and like previous Sony headphones, the M5 can change noise modes based on your activity or location. Plus, this pair of headphones offers better call quality than most competitors. The only real drawback is that they’re $50 more than the WH-1000XM4 at full price ($400).