Apple reportedly intends to launch new color options for its premium AirPods Max headphones this fall.
While that sounds like a strictly cosmetic addition to the lineup, next-gen AirPods Pro might bring a full-fledged redesign around the same time.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
AirPods Pro 2 may launch this fall
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says AirPods Pro 2 are expected to feature a sleeker design with a shorter stem, a redesigned charging case, and support for lossless playback.
Previous rumors indicated the noise-canceling earbuds might sport new sensors for health tracking. However, it remains unclear if this will come true for the 2022 model.
Apple introduced AirPods Pro in late 2019, so the wireless earbuds have been on the market for nearly three years now without any refresh.
Many early adopters must be now looking for an upgrade or replacement, since the batteries inside their units would be on their last legs.
New color options for the AirPods Max incoming
While AirPods Pro and the third-gen “regular” AirPods only come in white, Apple offers the AirPods Max in five colors: silver, space gray, sky blue, pink and green.
The company does tend to release some products in new colors as a midcycle refresh. For example, the iPhone 13 lineup gained two new green options in March. So additional colors for AirPods Max doesn’t sound far-fetched at all.
Cult of Mac‘s AirPods Max review noted that the headphones deliver excellent audio quality and active noise cancellation. However, a report a year after the headphones’ launch indicated that AirPods Max owners gave the product a rare thumbs down due to its steep price, especially when compared to the competition.
AirPods Max list for $549, although retailers like Amazon and Best Buy routinely offer them at a discount.
While new color options are always welcome, it seems unlikely that such a move would have any noticeable impact on the sales of Apple’s premium headphones, since that’s not the primary reason behind their lackluster sales.
