The new version doesn’t get much of an upgrade
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I’ve tested tons of earbuds but not as many over-the-ear headphones.
The 2024 AirPods Max in the new blue color, which is slightly different from the previous version.Lifewire / Jerri Ledford
With this update, are the AirPods Max worth over $500?
Let’s dig into what I found.
Apple AirPods Max
Seamless integration with Apple products.
The 2024 AirPods Max still come with the same folding case as the previous version.Lifewire / Jerri Ledford
Excellent sound quality and noise cancellation.
More expensive than some premium brands.
They’re heavier than you might expect.
The USB-C charging is the only build difference in the new AirPods Max.Lifewire / Jerri Ledford
No significant upgrade over the previous version.
Inside the headphones are a host of sensors.
Each earcup has an optical sensor, position sensor, case-detect sensor, and accelerometer.
The left earcup also has a gyroscope.
Each earcup also contains the same Apple H1 chip as the previous version.
In other words, the tech is all the same as before.
The included case alsodisappointinglyremains the same.
The USB-C version also offers some new colors: Midnight, Starlight, Purple, Blue, and Orange.
Beyond those two differences, nothing else has changed.
Who Are the 2024 AirPods Max For?
So, if nothing much has changed in the 2024 AirPods Max, who are these for?
Well, the easy answer is anyone in the UK.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the 2024 AirPods Max has two upgrades: USB-C charging and new colors.
Everything else remains the same.
If you’re free to, save yourself $80 andbuy the 2020 version.
