Apple introduced the AirPods Max 2 without any prior warnings or leaks — the first serious update to its over-ear headphones since 2020. The main change is the H2 chip replacing the outdated H1. The design, weight, and price ($549, approximately 60,000 ₽ in Russia) remain unchanged. So, does that mean there’s nothing fundamentally new about the AirPods Max 2? Whether the new version deserves your attention depends on whether you already own the original AirPods Max and what you were expecting from it.
The new headphones turned out not to be all that new. Image: 9to5mac.com
How AirPods Max 2 Differ from AirPods Max 1
All the key improvements in the AirPods Max 2 are tied to the transition to the H2 chip — the same one that has long been powering the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. It’s this chip that brings the over-ear headphones up to the level of features that AirPods Pro owners received several years ago.
The H2 chip is the main innovation in the AirPods Max 2. Image: 9to5mac.com
Here’s what’s new on AirPods Max thanks to the H2:
- Adaptive Audio — the headphones automatically adjust the level of noise cancellation and transparency depending on your surroundings.
- Conversation Awareness — music volume automatically lowers when you start talking to someone nearby.
- Voice Isolation — during calls, the headphones isolate your voice and suppress background noise.
- Live Translation — real-time translation of your conversation partner’s speech directly into the headphones (works via Apple Intelligence).
- Personalized Volume — the headphones learn your preferences and adjust the volume level over time.
- Camera Remote — pressing the Digital Crown triggers a photo or video on your iPhone/iPad.
For those already using AirPods Pro, all of this is familiar. But for owners of the original Max, it’s a noticeable leap in everyday convenience.
Did AirPods Max 2 Get Better Sound?
Apple claims that active noise cancellation is now 1.5 times more effective than before. The company specifically mentions that the new algorithms handle constant background noise better — like the hum of airplane engines or subway trains. Transparency mode has also been updated: according to Apple, ambient sound is now reproduced more naturally thanks to optimized signal processing on the H2 chip.
In terms of Apple’s sound quality, a new amplifier with an expanded dynamic range has been added. They promise cleaner sound, better bass definition, more precise instrument placement in spatial audio, and more natural mids and highs. The dynamic drivers, however, remain the same — 40mm, just like in the 2020 model. The improvements come from signal processing and amplification, not from new acoustics. Battery life is still up to 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled. Nothing has changed here.
Main Drawbacks of AirPods Max 2
This is where the list of disappointments begins, explaining the skepticism of many buyers.
- The design hasn’t changed at all. The same aluminum cups, the same mesh headband, the same dimensions. The headphones don’t fold — still inconvenient for travel.
- Weight — still around 385 grams. That’s over 100 grams heavier than competitors from Sony and Bose. The difference is noticeable during extended wear.
- No power button. The only reliable way to put the headphones into standby mode is to place them in the included Smart Case. Forget the case — and the battery drains for nothing.
- Smart Case hasn’t changed. It still only protects the cups, leaving the headband exposed. For real protection during transport, you need a third-party hard case.
- No water protection. There’s no IP rating — Apple doesn’t recommend working out in them or getting caught in the rain.
Apple didn’t even change the AirPods Max colors. Image: macworld.com
Six years is a long time, and many expected Apple to at least lighten the construction or add a folding mechanism. That didn’t happen. The Live Translation feature works through Apple Intelligence and requires an iPhone with iOS 26.4 or later.
At the time of the AirPods Max 2 launch, only a few languages are supported: English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. Russian is not on the list, and Apple has not announced plans to add it. This is important to consider: one of the most notable new features simply won’t work for Russian-speaking users.
Do AirPods Max 2 Support Lossless Over Bluetooth?
This is perhaps the most discussed shortcoming. AirPods Max 2 support lossless audio (uncompressed sound, 24-bit / 48 kHz) — but only via the USB-C cable included in the box. Over Bluetooth, the headphones transmit audio in AAC format, meaning with compression.
Meanwhile, competitors — such as the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 — already offer wireless lossless over Bluetooth. And Apple’s own AirPods Pro 3 can transmit lossless wirelessly — though only when paired with Apple Vision Pro. Why this technology hasn’t made it to the flagship over-ear headphones priced at $549 is a question Apple has yet to answer.
For most users who listen to music over Bluetooth, the difference between AAC and lossless is barely noticeable. But for audiophiles spending this kind of money on headphones, it’s a matter of principle.
How Much Do AirPods Max 2 Cost and Are They Worth Buying?
The price remains the same — $549, approximately 60,000 ₽ in Russia. Pre-orders open on March 25, 2026, with sales starting in early April — in more than 30 countries.
The colors haven’t changed: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue. For context: competitors charge noticeably less — Sony WH-1000XM5 costs around $300–350, Bose QuietComfort Ultra — around $400, Sennheiser — around $349.
If you already own first-generation AirPods Max (especially the 2024 USB-C version), the difference will only be noticeable in the new “smart” features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Sound will be slightly better, noise cancellation more effective, but the design and key limitations remain the same. For owners of the previous model, this is not a mandatory upgrade.
Can you tell which version of AirPods Max is in front of you? Image: 9to5mac.com
If you’re buying your first over-ear Apple headphones — the Max 2 are objectively the best the company has ever offered in this form factor. But before purchasing, it’s worth honestly asking yourself: are you willing to pay $150–200 more than for Sony or Bose, while getting heavier headphones without a folding mechanism or power button?
It’s also worth considering the rumor that as early as 2027, Apple may release AirPods Max 3 with an updated design and reduced weight. If waiting doesn’t bother you — it might make sense to hold out for a truly significant update.
