Apple is rumored to be launching a new version of its flagship AirPods Max headphones within the next year. The current model has been on the market for three years, earning it the prestigious title of being the oldest AirPods of the current generation.

Speculation has begun to circulate over plans for a second-generation model, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggesting it could appear later this year.

The big question is what new features will be included when the second-generation version of Apple's high-end over-ear headphones are released.

To give you an idea of what to expect, from the obvious like USB-C charging to the more speculative like a new design, we have compiled a list of possible updates that are more likely to be updated than the current generation AirPods Max.

USB-C

The most obvious change between the current generation and the next is that the charging port will move from Lightning to USB-C. This is due to an EU directive and is taking place across the entire Apple product lineup. Garman suggests that this may be one of the only changes Apple makes to its typically $550 headphones. The AirPod Max is currently available on Amazon's Black Friday sale for $449.

New Colors

The other most likely change would be a new set of colors. Currently available in space gray, pink, green, silver, and sky blue, the next generation will likely follow in the footsteps of the iPad and Mac and add bolder colors like yellow, purple, and green.

While the bolder colors and USB-C port are great, the three-year-old headphones, AirPods Max, miss some of the impressive new technology in Apple's smaller AirPods. This includes the much less expensive second-generation AirPods Pro 2, which is down from $249 to $169 during Walmart's Black Friday sale.

Precise Search

One of the more useful features of the iPhone 15 series and the latest generation Apple Watch is the U2 Ultra Wideband chip. This allows for precise searching in "Find My App.

While you can track your AirPods Max in "Find My," it does not provide the fine location tracking that only U2 can. So this is something I would like to see included in AirPods Max 2. After all, who hasn't misplaced a pair of headphones?

Wired Listening

This sounds like a simple idea, but the ability to continue using the AirPods Max with a cable when the battery runs out would be valuable. Currently, this is possible by adding a $35 Lightning-to-3.5mm cable, but even that will not work if there is no battery life at all.

H2 Chip

Apple would be remiss not to include the latest headphone chip in the next generation AirPods Max. This custom silicon has improved calculated audio over the H1.

This improves sound quality, and battery life as energy consumption is managed more efficiently; the H2 chip also allows for personalized volume, adaptive audio, and better noise cancellation.

New-look smart case

The AirPods Max smart case is odd looking, does not offer as much protection as the hard case, and has been widely criticized since its launch. Version 2 may feature an entirely new case. Apple's patent suggests a more traditional headphone housing.

Improved battery life

This could be solved by the inclusion of an H2 chip. While some high-end headphones currently offer 30 or even 60 hours of battery life, the AirPods Max still boasts up to 20 hours when using noise cancellation and spatial audio. That's fine for commuting, but what if you want to cover office sounds while at work?

Since it's unlikely you'll be able to get the new AirPods Max until next year, and it might be worth the wait for multiple reasons, here are some of the best deals on headphones we found this Black Friday.

This includes Apple's AirPods Pro 2, which is currently down from $249 to $169 at Walmart. If you really want the first generation AirPod Max, you can get it now at a bargain; the AirPod Max is currently priced at $449 on Amazon, down from the usual $549.