Apple introduces the second-generation AirPods Max, updating its over-ear headphones with the new H2 chip while retaining the original design. The AirPods Max 2 are priced at $549, though Amazon has listed them for $399 as part of a promotional offer.
Key Specifications and Pricing
The AirPods Max 2 are available for preorder starting March 25, with shipments expected in early April. The headphones are offered in five colors: Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. Their exterior design—including aluminum and stainless steel components and a mesh canopy headband—remains unchanged from the previous generation.
H2 Chip and Audio Enhancements
The H2 chip, previously integrated into the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro 3, enables several new features. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is reported to be 1.5 times more effective than the original model, a result attributed to increased processing speed and refined algorithms rather than hardware changes. Transparency mode has been improved with a new digital signal processing algorithm optimized for the H2 chip and the microphone array.
Additional audio features include:
- Adaptive Audio, which blends ANC and Transparency modes based on the environment
- Conversation Awareness, which lowers playback volume and amplifies voices when the user speaks
- Voice Isolation for clearer calls in noisy environments
- Personalized Volume, which adjusts volume preferences over time
- Loud Sound Reduction, which automatically decreases the volume of harsh environmental noises
- Adaptive EQ, which adjusts audio in real-time based on fit and ear geometry
Audio Quality and Connectivity
The headphones support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable. A new high dynamic range amplifier provides richer bass, more natural vocals, and improved instrument localization. Spatial Audio has been updated with better instrument localization and more accurate bass and mids.
Wireless audio latency has been reduced, and Bluetooth support has been upgraded from 5.0 to 5.3. The headphones offer up to 20 hours of battery life with ANC activated.
New H2-Exclusive Features
The H2 chip enables several features not available on the original model:
- Custom EQ, allowing users to personalize sound profiles for low, mid, and high frequencies (requires iOS 27)
- Siri activation using the shorter trigger phrase "Siri" instead of "Hey Siri"
- Live Translation, using beam-forming microphones to isolate external voices
- Camera Remote functionality via the Digital Crown, allowing users to capture photos and start or stop video recording on connected iPhones or iPads
- Head gestures for Siri interactions
- Studio-quality audio recording
- 5GHz support with Game Mode
Product History
The original AirPods Max launched in 2020. The first update in 2024 added new colors and USB-C charging. The AirPods Max 2, released later, includes the H2 chip and the associated software features.
Availability Note
As of this report, Amazon is offering the AirPods Max 2 for $399, which is $150 below the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $549.