AirPods Max 2 plunge to record-low $399 ahead of Amazon Prime Day

appleinsider.com Jun 22, 2026

AirPods Max 2 plunge to record-low $399 ahead of Amazon Prime Day

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 22, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Amazon has issued a record-low price drop on AirPods Max 2, with the over-ear headphones now available for $399. This is a $150 discount on the 2026 release, with the Starlight finish being the lowest price on record. Walmart is also matching the $399 price across all color options. AirPods Max 2 features Apple's H2 chip, up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation, and lossless audio via a wired USB-C connection.

💡 Why It Matters

· The price drop on AirPods Max 2 signals a shift in consumer demand, with Apple potentially adjusting its pricing strategy to stay competitive ahead of Prime Day.

Read full article on appleinsider.com

Android 17 brings a surprisingly big upgrade for wireless earbuds

Google has released the stable Android 17 update, which includes a surprise addition of support for the Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec (LHDC) on Pixel phones. This means Pixel users can now take advantage of LHDC for higher-quality wireless audio, alongside existing codecs like AAC. The update also enables users to manually select LHDCv5, a newer codec for higher-bitrate audio over Bluetooth, on compatible earbuds. Several earbuds from Nothing and OnePlus support LHDC.

💡 The addition of LHDC support on Pixel phones with Android 17 unlocks better-quality wireless audio options for users with compatible premium earbuds, making it a significant upgrade for audio enthusiasts.

appleinsider.com · Jun 22

Amazon’s $169 AirPods Pro 3 deal is back for Prime Week

Amazon has replenished its AirPods Pro 3 inventory and is offering the earbuds at a record low price of $169, an $80 discount from the original price. The deal is available as Prime Day approaches, and considering the inventory sold out last week, it's a good idea to take advantage of the savings now. The AirPods Pro 3 deal matches the lowest price on record for the earbuds. Amazon also offers deals on other AirPods models, including the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2. The AirPods Max 2 is available for $449, a $100 discount. Buyers can check out Apple Price Guides for discounts on other Apple devices.

💡 Early access to Prime Day deals like this can give shoppers an edge in securing hard-to-find items before they sell out. Securing a record low price now also eliminates the risk of missing out on the discount during Prime Day.

9to5google.com · Jun 21

RIP Nest Mini – The Google Home Speaker isn’t a replacement, but…

Google has discontinued the Nest Mini speaker, a highly popular and affordable smart speaker, with the release of the Google Home Speaker. The new speaker, priced at $99, does not replace the Nest Mini, as it is more expensive and has a different form factor. The Nest Mini was known for its low cost and ease of use, making it a staple in many smart homes. Google's decision to discontinue the Nest Mini leaves a gap in the market, as the Google Home Speaker does not fit into the same use cases. The Nest Mini will still be available at third-party retailers and on the used market. Google's smart home lineup is now in a unique position, with no direct replacement for the Nest Mini. The company's move may be a strategic shift towards new products, with the Google Home Speaker being the first step.

💡 Google's departure from the affordable smart speaker market creates an opportunity for competitors to fill the gap. The company's focus on higher-end products like the Google Home Speaker may attract a new audience, but it also risks alienating loyal customers who relied on the Nest Mini's affordability and versatility.

neowin.net · Jun 19

Nothing Ear buds with active noise cancellation are at their lowest price…

Amazon is currently offering the Nothing Ear wireless earbuds at their lowest price ever with 51% off a limited Prime deal. The earbuds feature active noise cancellation of up to 45dB, support high-resolution audio codecs, and include a smart ANC algorithm, adaptive noise cancellation, and a transparency mode. Connectivity is provided via Bluetooth 5.3, and the earbuds also support dual connection, IP54 water and dust resistance, and a three-microphone system per earbud for clearer voice calls.

💡 The discounted price of the Nothing Ear wireless earbuds makes them an attractive option for consumers seeking high-quality audio and active noise cancellation at a lower cost. This deal highlights the increasing competition in the wireless earbuds market, where consumers can now access premium features at more affordable prices.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live

Spotify has launched "Reserved by Spotify," a system that identifies top fans of an artist and holds two tour tickets for them before the general ticket sale opens. The feature, available for Live Nation concerts, uses signals like streams, shares, and activity to determine eligible fans. Ticket sales are through Ticketmaster, and the system aims to reward music fans and encourage paid subscriptions. Spotify plans to add more partners and smaller venues over time, including international users.

💡 Spotify's Reserved system directly targets scalpers, who use automated tools to buy tickets and resell them at higher prices. By rewarding superfans, Spotify aims to increase engagement with its app and encourage paid subscriptions, ultimately reducing the incentive for scalpers to exploit the ticket market.

9to5google.com · Jun 18

Google has ended Nest Mini and Nest Audio production, discontinuing both speakers

Google has confirmed the discontinuation of its Nest Mini and Nest Audio smart speakers, citing the introduction of the Google Home speaker as the replacement. The Nest Mini, launched in 2019, offered a budget-friendly option for Google Assistant, while the Nest Audio, released in 2021, provided improved audio quality. Existing devices will continue to receive software updates and support, but new hardware production has ended. The move leaves Google's ecosystem without a cheaper entry point, with the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max remaining available for purchase.

💡 The loss of the Nest Mini as a budget-friendly entry point into Google's smart home ecosystem may deter price-conscious consumers from adopting Google Assistant, potentially limiting the platform's growth.