AirPods Max 2: Apple’s Over-Ear Headphones Get a Major Upgrade
Apple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2, the first significant update to its premium over-ear headphones since their initial release in 2020. The novel model boasts improved active noise cancellation (ANC), enhanced sound quality, and the integration of AI-powered features, including live translation.
H2 Chip Drives Performance Improvements
At the heart of the AirPods Max 2 is the H2 chip, which Apple states delivers active noise cancellation that is up to 1.5 times more effective than the original AirPods Max [1]. This chip, previously introduced with the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) in September 2022, brings a suite of enhancements to the listening experience.
New Features Enhance the User Experience
- Adaptive Audio: This feature dynamically adjusts the ANC levels based on the surrounding environment [1].
- Conversation Awareness: Automatically lowers the volume when speech is detected nearby [1].
- Live Translation: Translates spoken language into the user’s preferred language in real-time, currently supporting Chinese (Mandarin – Simplified & Traditional), English (UK & US), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Japanese (Japan), Korean (South Korea), Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain) [1]. This feature requires pairing with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26.4 or later.
Audio Quality and Connectivity Upgrades
AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for cleaner audio while maintaining the signature sound of the original AirPods Max [2]. The headphones now support lossless audio when connected via USB-C [2]. Bluetooth connectivity has also been upgraded from Bluetooth 5.0 to Bluetooth 5.3 [1].
Additional Features and Availability
The AirPods Max 2 also include a camera remote function, allowing users to take photos by pressing the Digital Crown. They are available in the same five colorways as the previous model.
Preorders begin on March 25, with availability starting in early April. The AirPods Max 2 will be priced at $549, the same as the original launch price [1].