Sorry Apple, most of you aren't buying the AirPods Max 2

After six long years of anticipation, Apple’s AirPods Max 2 were revealed in what could have effectively been an email. No flashy event on a big stage with Tim Cook holding them up in front of a cheering crowd. None of the theatrics you’d expect from the tech giant when they believe in what they are selling. Just a press release on another Monday morning.

It’s almost like Apple knew the Max 2 wouldn’t satisfy people’s expectations, which our readers and viewers are now confirming. We ran the poll on our website and YouTube channel as soon as the news dropped, and the majority of you say you won’t buy them.

Across over 2,100 total votes so far on our website and YouTube channel, nearly 80% said no, with only 8% ready to buy outright. A further 13% are sitting on the fence, waiting for our lab results before deciding.

What you said

Here are a select few comments from our viewers that highlight some of the main criticisms:

• “I’m really disappointed at Apple. They should have redone the AirPods Max 2 with a new look, a headphone jack, and a hard shell case.” — @csscott9803
• “As a Gen 1 owner, not adding a power toggle or button, and not providing a full case again is wild.” — @PatrickTheGreat
• Apple should’ve brought all these updates when they brought USB-C to Max. Now what, technically this is a 3rd gen product with literally minute upgrades for $550.” — @AdityaBandaru13
• “18-20 hour battery life in 2026 is crazy!!” — @itachiuchiha-bl5wv

The AirPods Max 2 had years of anticipation and hype behind it, and now it’s evaporating quickly. If dropping in an H2 chip was all Apple was ever going to do, there was no reason they couldn’t have done it in 2024 with the USB-C refresh.