It took Apple six years to give the AirPods Max a meaningful update, which it just did today in the most unceremonious way (for Apple, at least). The original over-ear flagship debuted in 2020, powered by the H1 chip and featuring premium aluminum construction, adaptive EQ, and surprisingly capable noise cancellation. A 2024 refresh merely swapped Lightning for USB-C but kept the internals identical.
Now, Apple is shipping a second-generation model with the H2 chip inside, and it’s a pretty big deal.
FROM HALO PRODUCT TO FULL-FLEDGED FLAGSHIP
When Apple introduced AirPods in 2016 and AirPods Pro in 2019, it significantly helped normalize wireless audio listening. By 2020, the logical next move was an over-ear headphone, thus birthing the AirPods Max. Although it hasn’t been perfect (still no off button for some reason), its combination of anodized aluminum earcups, mesh headband, memory-foam pads made them arguably the most comfortable wireless OEMs on the market. More importantly, the H1-powered computational audio was a competitive differentiator against Sony and Bose, and offered superb audio quality from a non-audio brand. Nevertheless, the Max aged quickly as the H2 chip arrived in AirPods Pro 2 and brought features the Max simply couldn’t support. That gap is now closed.
THE H2 EFFECT
The headline spec is ANC that Apple says is up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation. That’s a significant jump. The H2’s improved computational audio algorithms are handling more aggressive real-time noise processing, and the nine-microphone array (eight dedicated to ANC, three for voice pickup) provides the hardware headroom to back it up.
In terms of sound quality, a new high dynamic range amplifier brings cleaner audio across the frequency range, with Apple specifically calling out improved instrument localization, more accurate bass response, and more natural mids and highs in Spatial Audio content. For USB-C wired listening, the Max 2 supports 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, which opens this up big-time for musicians and engineers, or just audiophiles who love lossless quality. Apple’s positioning these as the only headphones that let you create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.
SMARTER BY DEFAULT
The H2 chip enables a host of features that AirPods Pro 2 users will recognize, now arriving on the Max for the first time. Adaptive Audio automatically blends ANC and Transparency based on your environment, so you’re not manually toggling modes every time you step outside. Conversation Awareness lowers your audio and reduces background noise the moment you start talking to someone nearby. Voice Isolation improves call quality by prioritizing your voice and cutting ambient noise. Meanwhile, Personalized Volume adjusts over time to your listening habits.
Then there’s Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, which gives you real-time spoken language translation in person. And the camera remote feature lets you trigger your iPhone or iPad camera by pressing the Digital Crown, which is useful if you’re recording content and need distance from the device. Siri Interactions, which let you nod or shake your head to respond to announcements without touching anything, round out the feature set.
CONSTRUCTION & SUSTAINABILITY
The industrial design hasn’t changed, which will frustrate some people and reassure others. The aluminum earcups, mesh headband, and 13.6-ounce weight are all unchanged from 2020. For what it’s worth, the build quality was never the issue with the original. Apple has incorporated 100% recycled rare earth elements in the magnets, recycled polyester in the ear cushions, and recycled gold and tin solder in all Apple-designed circuit boards, as part of its broader Apple 2030 carbon-neutral initiative. Likewise, the packaging is fully fiber-based.
SPEC SHEET
Model: AirPods Max 2
Chip: Apple H2 (each ear cup)
ANC: Up to 1.5x more effective than 1st gen
Audio: Apple-designed dynamic driver, custom HDR amplifier
Lossless Audio: 24-bit, 48 kHz via USB-C cable
Microphones: 9 total (8 ANC, 3 voice pickup)
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC enabled
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
Weight: 13.6 oz with cushions
Key Features: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Camera Remote, Studio-quality recording, Loud Sound Reduction, Personalized Spatial Audio, Siri Interactions
Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, Blue
Price: $549
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
The AirPods Max 2 are priced at $549 and available for pre-order starting March 25. Units begin shipping and arrive in Apple Store locations in early April. Colors include Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue. New Apple Music subscribers may get three months free with purchase.
Recap
Apple AirPods Max 2 Headphones
Apple’s AirPods Max 2 finally bring the H2 chip to the company’s over-ear flagship, delivering 1.5x more effective ANC, improved sound quality, and a wave of smart features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation that the original should’ve had years ago. At $549, pre-orders open March 25 with availability in early April.
