For over five years, Apple barely touched its over-ear AirPods Max headphones. Yes, in 2024 they were slightly refreshed — Lightning was removed and they were switched to USB-C — but essentially these were still the same headphones from 2020. Apple went ahead and introduced the AirPods Max 2, and this is not a cosmetic update but the first truly noticeable upgrade of the entire lineup.
Comparing two generations of AirPods Max. Image: macrumors.com
The main problem with the old AirPods Max was that while they still looked premium, expensive, and recognizable on the outside, their capabilities were gradually falling behind even more affordable AirPods models. This became especially noticeable after the release of AirPods Pro 2 and 3 with a more modern chip and smart features. AirPods Max 2 are meant to close this gap, because now Apple has brought to the over-ear headphones almost everything they had been missing for so long.
What New Features Appeared in AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 retained the first-generation design, and even the colors remained from the 2024 USB-C version. The most important change, around which almost the entire upgrade is built, is the new H2 chip. The first-generation AirPods Max, including the 2024 USB-C version, used the H1. Thanks to the switch to H2, the new headphones received more powerful active noise cancellation, an improved transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and Voice Isolation. In other words, AirPods Max have finally caught up in smart features with those AirPods models that previously seemed noticeably more modern.
Design and color palette remained unchanged. Image: tomsguide.com
On top of that, other small additions were included that turn out to be not so small in real-world use. Apple now allows activating Siri not only with “Hey Siri” but simply “Siri,” and you can respond to certain notifications by nodding or shaking your head. Plus, a simultaneous translation feature was added that lets you communicate with foreigners without any difficulties. It’s precisely because of such things that AirPods Max 2 feel like not just expensive large Apple headphones, but a truly new generation.
Additionally, AirPods Max 2 feature an upgraded Digital Crown. It can now control the iPhone or iPad camera, as well as start and stop playback. It’s convenient that you no longer need to reach for your smartphone or tablet screen — you can do everything right from the headphones.
How Do AirPods Max 2 Sound Compared to AirPods Max 1
They promise enhanced and higher quality sound, but only real-world use will show if it’s true. Image: wired.com
Apple also separately improved sound quality. AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier, along with new digital signal processing algorithms. In a dry spec sheet this sounds fairly ordinary, but in practice these are exactly the kinds of changes that most strongly affect how sound is perceived. Apple promises more precise instrument localization, smoother bass, and more natural mids and highs.
Another important point is that the new headphones not only sound better on their own but also continue to support lossless audio at 24-bit / 48 kHz over USB-C. For those who listen to music via cable, work with audio, or simply want to get the most out of their headphones, this is an important argument. At the same time, AirPods Max 2 also received studio-quality audio recording, which also makes them significantly more interesting for those who use Apple products not only for listening but also for work.
Is It Worth Buying the First-Generation AirPods Max
Speaking of the very first AirPods Max with Lightning, in 2026 this model already looks like an option only for those who found it at a big discount. Yes, these headphones still have good sound, premium materials, decent noise cancellation, and a transparency mode, but the device itself has noticeably aged. This is especially apparent now that Apple has finally shown just how far behind the over-ear AirPods had fallen compared to the rest of the lineup.
The 2024 USB-C version presents a more interesting situation. It’s still a relevant model for those who want the familiar AirPods Max but with a modern connector and the ability to listen to lossless audio via cable. The only problem is that in terms of wireless capabilities and intelligent features, these headphones are no different from the 2020 model. So buying the AirPods Max 2024 makes sense only if the price difference compared to AirPods Max 2 turns out to be truly significant.
Is It Worth Upgrading from AirPods Max 1 to AirPods Max 2
If you’re choosing new headphones, you should look at AirPods Max 2. Image: appleinsider.com
If you don’t have AirPods Max at all and are simply choosing which version to buy, the most logical choice is AirPods Max 2. This is the most modern version with the best noise cancellation, a newer chip, and all current features. For the first time in a long while, Apple has released not just a slightly updated model but a full-fledged new generation of its over-ear headphones.
If you have AirPods Max with Lightning, there are already plenty of reasons to upgrade. The age of the model, the old connector, weaker noise cancellation, and the absence of new capabilities all play a role. However, owners of the 2024 USB-C version should approach the situation more calmly. If you’re satisfied with everything, there’s no urgent need to replace your headphones. But if you’ve been waiting for the day when AirPods Max would stop being just a beautiful accessory and become full-fledged flagship Apple headphones, then AirPods Max 2 look like exactly the version worth waiting for.
