Apple’s AirPods Max announcement yesterday was quite a let-down, to say the least. Ahead of the big event, there was widespread anticipation for the release of AirPods Max 2. Instead, what we got were the same old AirPods Max in new colors and with USB-C. Whether it’s for better or worse, this announcement has made AirPods Max a more prominent status symbol than ever. Here’s why.
A brief history of Apple’s over-ear headphones
The original AirPods Max made its debut four long years ago.
Back then, its $549 price tag was quite a shock for consumer-focused headphones.
Strangely enough, even with inflation, that $549 price still feels as audacious as ever. Perhaps it’s even more so now that these over-ear headphones have been available since 2020 without any significant new features.
On the other hand, AirPods Pro 2 has been continuously receiving new features every year since its 2022 launch. The product has maintained its $249 price point but has offered more value over time.
Despite Apple’s lack of investment, AirPods Max have continued to gain popularity. Apple doesn’t disclose sales figures, but anecdotal evidence suggests that AirPods Max are selling much better today than they did in their first year on the market.
In a way, they’ve become a kind of status symbol. Sure, there are more affordable over-ear options out there. Such as the Beats Studio Pro (currently discounted to just $249 on Amazon) or Sonos Ace (at a more comparable $449).
But if you own AirPods Max, even if you got them at a discount (currently as low as $399), their price likely meant a significant purchase.
The status symbol ‘new’ AirPods Max
Wearing AirPods Max means donning $550 headphones that are likely even more expensive than they should be.
They are a status symbol.
And now, with the ‘updated’ USB-C AirPods Max in new color options, that’s more true than ever.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 may offer the more modern H2 chip with powerful audio features at a fraction of the cost. But hey, if money isn’t a concern, why not go for AirPods Max?
Apple could have lowered the price of its headphones, but apparently it didn’t see the need. With plenty of customers willing to pay $549 even four years after launch, why not take their money?
If you pre-order your new AirPods Max in one of the attractive new colors, you can be one of the first to show that spending $550 on four-year-old headphones isn’t a problem for you, financially.
I’m being a bit facetious, of course, but not entirely.
I suppose new colors and USB-C are better than nothing. Especially if you don’t mind paying the Apple premium.
If you want to showcase your financial status, AirPods Max are the way to go.
But if you’re looking for an AirPods product that actually gets proper updates: AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 will save you a lot of money.
What do you think about Apple’s updated AirPods Max? Let us know in the comments.
Top comment by Augusto Galindo
Liked by 4 people
I was hoping for more significant improvements, especially in the design and its case. It’s quite disappointing. I want to get rid of all my lightning devices, but I’m not willing to pay $549 for essentially the same pair of headphones I already own.
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