Apple AirPods Max 2: Better ANC, Live Translation, and a $549 Price Tag
Apple has announced the second generation of its over-ear headphones, featuring an H2 chip, 1.5x better active noise cancellation, and AI-powered live translation.
Key Upgrades
Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Max 2 offer active noise cancellation that's 1.5 times more effective than the original, which launched in 2020. Transparency mode also sounds "more natural" according to Apple.
AI-Powered Live Translation
A headline feature: the H2 chip powers real-time speech translation, converting spoken language to your preferred language as you listen — a first for Apple headphones.
New Features
- Conversation awareness: Lowers volume when someone nearby starts speaking
- Voice isolation: Prioritizes your voice during calls, reducing background noise
- Automatic loud sound reduction: Protects hearing from sudden loud noises
- Camera remote: Press the digital crown to take photos or start recordings
- Personalized volume: Automatically fine-tunes audio based on your preferences over time
- Siri responses: Now supports nodding or shaking your head to respond
Audio Quality
- USB-C connected 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio support
- Up to 20 hours of battery life per charge
Design and Colors
The AirPods Max 2 come in blue, purple, beige, orange, and a "midnight" dark blue-gray color. Preorders started March 25th, with availability in early April.
Price
$549 — the same price point as the updated first-generation model that Apple released in 2024.