As the end of 2023 approaches, you might be contemplating a tech purchase, whether as a special holiday gift or during the Black Friday sales. Among Apple‘s enticing offerings lies the first-generation AirPods Max, hailed as Apple’s finest over-ear headphones to date. But is it a worthy investment as the year draws to a close? Read on, and we’ll break it down for you.
Why Consider Buying AirPods Max Now
Despite having been on the market for several years without major updates, the AirPods Max continue to stand head and shoulders above their in-ear counterparts in terms of audio performance. While the AirPods Pro comes close, a side-by-side comparison reveals that the AirPods Max outshine them in both transparency mode and noise cancellation.
These over-ear headphones boast a digital Crown for volume control and Siri activation, a feature exclusive to this headphone type. Apple may introduce further enhancements in future updates, making it even more appealing.
Most importantly, the AirPods Max offer a different refresh rate compared to all other AirPods. They cater to a more professional audience, ideal for music enthusiasts and producers seeking the pinnacle of audio quality in their work.
Reasons to Hold Off on the Purchase
However, it’s not all sunshine for the first-generation AirPods Max. By December 2023, they will have been on the market for three years without significant updates. In the tech world, three years is a substantial period, and Apple has since updated the second-generation AirPods Pro, introducing the USB-C connector. Furthermore, to continue selling this generation, Apple must adhere to European Union regulations mandating the USB-C connectivity standard for all devices.
In anticipation of a new generation, prospective improvements may include the addition of USB-C connectivity, new color options, enhanced noise cancellation, and technology enhancements benefiting the Vision Pro. Additionally, the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max, with its similar function to the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra, holds potential for expanded functionality beyond its current aesthetic appeal.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you require headphones and prefer to stay within the Apple ecosystem, securing a good deal on AirPods Max can be a wise choice. However, if you have the luxury of waiting, 2024 is likely to bring a new generation. While it may not introduce a plethora of new features, it’s poised to offer more than the current iteration.