Apple Surprises With AirPods Max 2 as iPhone Fold Rumours Paint Picture of Mini iPad Hybrid
First real update to over-ear headphones since 2020 lands alongside new details on Apple's foldable launching this fall
AirPods Max 2 features the H2 chip, bringing the headphones up to parity with the rest of the AirPods lineup and enabling new capabilities. However, several aspects of the design remain unchanged from the original, suggesting Apple chose an evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach.
Separately, the latest iPhone Fold leaks paint an increasingly clear picture of Apple's first foldable, expected this fall. The device reportedly unfolds to roughly iPad mini size while folding down to a compact form factor reminiscent of the beloved iPhone mini series. If accurate, it would address two product categories Apple has struggled with — the discontinued mini iPhone and the niche iPad mini — in a single device.
Apple also completed its acquisition of video editing software company MotionVFX, a move expected to bolster Final Cut Pro's creative ecosystem and help Apple compete more directly with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Analysis
Why This Matters
AirPods Max 2 shows Apple is still invested in its premium headphone line despite six years between updates. The iPhone Fold, if it delivers on the mini/iPad hybrid promise, could be Apple's most significant product launch since the Apple Watch.
Background
The original AirPods Max launched at $549 in 2020 and was criticised for its high price and heavy weight. Samsung, meanwhile, has been iterating on foldables for years, giving it a significant head start in the category.
What to Watch
AirPods Max 2 pricing and availability, and whether the iPhone Fold can justify what will likely be Apple's most expensive iPhone ever.