4 things that Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser should adopt for the AirPods Max 2
The highly well-liked Apple AirPods Max 2 are a pricey yet highly effective set of noise-canceling headphones that continue to draw in Apple devotees seeking excellent audio quality. Because of this, they rank as the finest option for Apple fans in our recommendations for the best over-ear and noise-canceling headphones.
So, it should come as no surprise that many people are curious about what the massive Cupertino company has in store for us next. In December 2020, after all, the Apple AirPods Max were released. Does this imply that the Apple AirPods Max 2 will release soon—you wouldn’t think so, though?
Despite the lack of official information, Apple analyst Jeff Pu believes the AirPods Max 2 may be available to the public by the fourth quarter of 2024. For the most recent information, check out our predictions for the release date of the AirPods Max 2, as well as our wish list. So what features and technologies should Apple take from competitors in the audio space to make sure the AirPods Max 2 are a success? Continue reading.
1. Sony, Bose, and Earfun Have Improved Their Carrying Cases
Controversial was the first AirPods Max carrying case. We described it as “hopeless” and “horrible” in our review. Not only did it have an awkward appearance (many were likening it to a bra and a sleep mask when it was initially released), but it provided very little to no protection for what is a very costly pair of headphones.
Of course, you may spend more money on a hard case, but we don’t think you should have to when these headphones are already so expensive. especially in light of the fact that many other luxury headphones manufacturers offer considerably better, more durable, and less ridiculous-looking cases.
For instance, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones both have straightforward cases with durable shells that the over-ears fold into. Even less-than-ideal cases—such as the large, cumbersome one that comes with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones—offer a respectable degree of protection that is necessary for travel.
Why do we know that this is a reasonable request? Even inexpensive headphones perform better. In our review, we characterized the Earfun Wave Pro’s straightforward carry case as “surprisingly premium-feeling.”
2. Sony and Sonos lossless audio
The AirPods Max priced $549 / £549 / AU$899 at launch. Even if they’re now closer to $549 / £499 / AU$899, they’re still a very costly pair of headphones—more costly than some of the best models made for audiophiles. They do not, however, support lossless audio. What you get here instead is Bluetooth access to Apple’s compressed AAC codec.
We would love to see an option to listen to Apple Music’s Lossless or Hi-Res tiers in the AirPods Max 2. It makes sense given the cost, and many headphones—some of which are far less expensive—offer lossless listening. The Sonos Ace, for instance, are great movie headphones with a USB-C connector that enables high-end lossless Hi-Res Audio, even though they may not be our preferred headphones for music.
This adds even more justification for the AirPods Max 2’s cord inclusion. They don’t currently, and while you can get one separately, it’s a digital cable, so lossless isn’t an option. Apple might potentially learn from Sony’s mistakes. The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones feature DSEE Extreme and come with Sony’s high-resolution audio alternative, the LDAC codec.
3. Longer battery life from Sennheiser, Earfun, and Cambridge Audio
With ANC turned on, the Apple AirPods Max had a 20-hour battery life. That’s a respectable amount of endurance, especially given how effectively these over-ear headphones function over the entire 20 hours. However, a few years after its release, other companies are now releasing products with twice or even three times the battery capacity that sound just as excellent.
For instance, even with ANC turned on, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones provide 60 hours of use. They look fantastic, sound fantastic, and provide a superb noise-cancelling experience, just like the AirPods Max. The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones, which promise 60 hours of noise cancellation with ANC turned on and an incredible 100 hours without, are the same in this regard. Even inexpensive headphones can last for 55 hours, such as the Earfun Wave Pro. Although we acknowledge that lifespan isn’t everything, the Max 2 still needs to catch up.
4. Better designs from Sony and Bose
Let’s face it, there was nothing wrong with the original Apple AirPods Max design. Indeed, a prevalent belief among Apple enthusiasts is that these over-ear headphones are among the most fashionable now available. If we were being picky, though, there are a few design enhancements that would greatly improve the AirPods Max 2.
To begin with, they do not fold. This is a frequent feature of high-end headphones; the Dali iO-12 (which sound amazing but come with an incredibly large case) and the Bowers & Wilkins PX8, for instance, both do not fold. However, this makes the AirPods Max heavier than necessary to carry—transporting them is already challenging because of their ridiculous cover.
Some luxury brands are superior at it. Just glance at the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose Quietcomfort Ultra headphones. Although you can’t really compress these headphones to make them really small, the ability to fold the cups and then utilize the hinge to slightly compress those cups into themselves does make them much more portable.
It would be nice if the AirPods Max 2 were somewhat lighter than the originals, but we’re concentrating on the design. Indeed, this is a difficult balance. Can these headphones be feather light without sacrificing the quality materials that make them so unique?
Let’s examine the specifications. As of right now, the AirPods Max weigh 385g. However, the Bose Quietcomfort Ultra and the Sony WH1000XM5 headphones both weigh 250g and have excellent sound and style. It merely goes to demonstrate that you may be both elegant and portable.