September 13th, 2024

The $129 AirPods 4 Have Features the $549 AirPods Max Don't

Apple announced the AirPods 4 at $129, featuring the H2 chip and advanced capabilities, while the AirPods Max, priced at $549, lack significant updates, raising concerns about their future.

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The $129 AirPods 4 Have Features the $549 AirPods Max Don't

Apple's recent announcement of the AirPods 4, priced at $129, has raised eyebrows due to their advanced features compared to the more expensive AirPods Max, which retail for $549. The AirPods 4 are equipped with the H2 chip, enhancing sound quality and enabling features like noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness. These capabilities allow users to interact with Siri more intuitively and improve call clarity. In contrast, the AirPods Max, which have not received significant updates, only gained new colors and a USB-C connection, leaving them lacking in technical advancements. This disparity has led to speculation about the future of the AirPods Max, as they struggle to compete with the more affordable AirPods 4. Critics note that the Max's 20-hour battery life and absence of modern features make them less appealing, despite their praised build quality and sound fidelity. The situation raises questions about Apple's commitment to the AirPods Max line, especially as the company appears to prioritize its lower-cost models.

- The AirPods 4 feature the advanced H2 chip, offering superior sound and noise cancellation.

- AirPods Max have not received significant updates, raising concerns about their future.

- The price disparity highlights a technical gap between the two models.

- Critics suggest the AirPods Max may be on a path to obsolescence.

- The AirPods 4's features make them a more attractive option for consumers.

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By @jerlam - 7 months
It's not that strange to Apple's product lines.

There is a "main" product line, with increasing levels of cost/performance, but with the same target customer. Pay more, get more, with no tradeoffs. Apple makes sure they don't overlap, and updates these frequently.

iPhone SE -> iPhone -> iPhone Pro

iPad -> iPad Air -> iPad Pro

Airpods -> Airpods Pro

Then there is a "side" product line, which is separate from the mainline and is targeting a smaller customer base who is willing to pay more for a substantially different product. And the side product lines are irregularly updated and are rarely a good deal compared to the mainline.

Mac Pro

iPad Mini

Airpods Max

12-inch Macbook

(rumored) iPhone Air