APPLE fans are expressing their dismay over the new AirPod lineup, claiming it failed to live up to their expectations.
The latest AirPods Max model, in particular, is catching flak. Despite being touted as a step up from the previous model, not much has changed.
Its biggest selling point is the addition of three new colors: Midnight Blue, Orange, and Rose Gold.
A USB-C port has also been added to streamline charging accessories across the entire Apple lineup.
Beyond that, there haven’t been significant changes to the device’s hardware – leaving some users frustrated that they waited four years for an update that never arrived.
“THEY JUST PAINTED AIRPODS MAX ANOTHER COLOR AND PUT A NEW PORT ON IT?” one incredulous user wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“There’s a new version of the AirPods Max, but unless I missed something, it’s just a color refresh with USB-C,” another wrote.
Users also took to Reddit to blast the device over the subpar hardware refresh.
“AirPods Max have no H2 chip. ANCIENT AND COOKED,” one user wrote.
“That AirPods Max upgrade is the weakest product upgrade they’ve ever released.”
However, fans are excited about some capabilities coming to the AirPods Pro.
A new feature called Hearing Protection will be enabled by default. It uses artificial intelligence to detect and reduce loud noises.
Apple is also adding a clinically validated, five-minute hearing test to the AirPods Pro.
Users are directed to tap the screen when they hear a series of tones at different volumes and frequencies.
Once the test is complete, easy-to-understand results will be displayed in the Health app.
A hearing aid feature has also been added to the latest AirPods to amplify certain sounds users need help detecting.
While users concede that the accessibility feature is useful, it may not be enough to sway public opinion.
“The hearing aid thing is neat, but I am still legit seething at the Airpods Max crap,” one Redditor proclaimed.
The new AirPods lineup will go on sale on September 20. However, the devices are available for preorder starting today.
The AirPods Max will still cost $549, much to the surprise of Apple fans.
“If they aren’t changing Max design, they could at least lower the price!” one Reddit user complained.
Meanwhile, the budget version of the Apple AirPods 4 will cost $129. The Active Noise Cancellation model will be slightly pricier at $179.
Apple claims the new model will be the “most comfortable ever,” with richer bass and personalized Spatial Audio for more immersive sound.
Like the AirPods Max, the charging case will come outfitted with a USB-C port.
