Why Doesn't the New AirPods Max Have the H2 Chip?

Question

Veo que el nuevo AirPods Max sigue teniendo el chip H1. ¿Por qué Apple no ha incorporado el H2 en su modelo más reciente?

Answer 1

As many may know already, Apple has not provided an official explanation for the lack of H2 chip in the new AirPods Max. It can be due to several business or technical issues. Users expecting certain features of an H2 chip such as better sound quality and overall improved connectivity should put their hopes on other Apple products containing this chip, for instance, the newest AirPods Pro.

Comments

Why didn't they at least upgrade to the H2 chipset?

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Apple did this to comply with the EU law requiring USB-C from 2025.

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Does it play music through the USB C?

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When connecting to your iPhone to the new AirPod Max via USB-C, does it playback in higher quality compared to Bluetooth, similar to the Beats Studio Pro?

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Apple would not have updated these if the EU weren’t forcing them to move to USB-C. I would guess the only reason why Apple didn’t update some of the internals (e.g. Bluetooth 5.3 etc) may be because the margins they are making on selling them are tight. So just giving them a USB-C port (which they have no choice but to do) plus give them a new lick of paint keeps manufacturing costs pretty much the same. The people that these are aimed at is quite simple: people who like AirPods Max who: (a) don’t currently own a pair and (b) like one of the new colours.

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USB C is not enough to change for

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These are for who haven’t owned one yet and can’t wait for the next proper update but is relieved its finally usbc and has new colors (colours).  Also it’s possible they may skip to H3 and much improved sound.

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I was desperately waiting for the update hoping for an H2 chip to bring in line with the other new I pods but just colours and usb-c .i would of immediately bought them if this had happened but now am thinking of trying other options or buying the first generation at a much reduced price

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If Apple had put the H2 chip in the new AP Max and put functionality on par with AP Pro 2. They would have had an instant sale.

Since the didn’t I bought the Bose QC Ultra. They are very good.

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I speculate that Apple actually wanted to release the AirPods Max with h3 chip, but maybe they weren't ready yet and so they had to introduce USB C AirPods Max due to the regulations. I don't think it would be profitable to use an intermediate version with an H2 chip.

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I was hoping Apple would have updated them or at least added the H2 chip ‍♂️. I can get a pair of Bowers PX7 S2 at Costco Canada for $380 instead of $779 for the Max, I think it’s an easy decision even if the PX7 are a few years old.

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I love the AirPods Max and was looking forward for an upgrade but just usb-c and new colors are not enough, they should’ve at least put the H2 chip and have the same features as the AirPods Pro . Double the price and half of the features. Come on Apple

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I agree, I don’t understand why they didn’t upgrade these more seeing how it took 4 years to get this update. Like why not tweak the sound slightly, add the new chip & maybe keep them on par with other AirPods. This is actually the first time I nah only buy the new AirPods 4 & that’s it. I typically upgrade my phone yearly & I was also excited for the new AirPods Max but it’s just not worth it this year. Also, if you keep em you’ve fixed your canopy issue

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Get the old ones on clearance if you haven't already gotten them yet.  Any proper apple fanboy/girl still has a lightening cable and I personally still haven't been convinced by the last few iphones  to upgrade my iphone 13 yet.  I'll get USB C max pods whenever they get at least an H2 chip.  But if apple is smart, they would debut the H3 chip in a proper APM refresh at a spring event or something and take $100 off the current APM with the H1.  

Having the APM 2 be the only way to get the new chip would make them feel properly "max" and CLOSER to being worth $550!

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Sadly no H2-Chip Update … so we have to waite for the „Airpods Max V3“

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There are people that were holding out until they switched over to USB-C, I don’t understand why you folks in the review space Don’t acknowledge that at all ‍♂️.

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Maybe they’re gonna update the software in the next couple of months so that as if they had an H2 chip in them haha
crying noises in the background

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I dont use Apple products but when Apple made a big deal about the 16/16 plus "new" camera layout. I was 100% sure they didn't forget to mention changes to Airpods Max.  Optimism is great but congrats you bought the same item twice . The reason the didnt add the H2 chip is bc they can do this & ppl will buy them again, then they'll release a 2nd generation later that those same ppl will buy

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I want it. Bc of the purple and bc of the usb c

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Just paid off my airpods max and theyre already acting janky - they will constantly connect to devices even when in the apple case, so it uses battery and will randomly blast loud noise thru the headphones which cant be good for the speaker.

I wish they had usb-c considering I also just went from 11 pro max to 16 pro max, BUT I still love them as an audiophile and a hardware enthusiast. Best build quality overall, plus they sound pretty great, and generally connect well with all my devices including PC, Xbox (via wired), or ofc ipad etc.