Apple AirPods Max 2 Review: Better Sound and New Features, Still Heavy and Expensive

Apple has released the second-generation AirPods Max with improved audio quality and new features, but retains the same hefty design.

Key Changes

• Sound quality: Improved drivers and processing
• New features: Added (specific details TBD from Verge Score 8 review)
• Weight: Remains heavy (the original was 384.8g)
• Price: $549 — still premium
• USB-C: Carried over from the USB-C refresh of V1

Verdict (Verge Score: 8)

The Verge gave it an 8/10, acknowledging improvements while noting the persistent weight issue that makes extended wear fatiguing.

Analysis

Apple's headphone strategy is clear: premium pricing with iterative improvements. The AirPods Max 2 doesn't reinvent the category but refines an already strong product. The weight issue is the biggest weakness — competitors like Sony WH-1000XM5 are significantly lighter at 250g. For Apple's ecosystem users, the seamless integration (Spatial Audio, automatic switching) compensates, but the $549 price makes it a tough sell for anyone outside the Apple ecosystem.