Apple has introduced the AirPods Max 2, the successor to its first over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max. The second-generation brings improved noise cancellation, better audio performance, and a range of intelligent features powered by the H2 chip. The new headphones retain Apple’s premium over-ear design but now add capabilities such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation, features previously seen on newer AirPods models.
Apple is also positioning the new model as a tool for content creators, thanks to studio-quality audio recording and camera remote support.
Improved Active Noise Cancellation
Apple says the AirPods Max 2 deliver up to 1.5× stronger Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) compared to the AirPods Max. The improvement comes from the H2 chip combined with new computational audio algorithms. The upgraded ANC is designed to block out more environmental sounds such as airplane engines, trains, or crowded public spaces, allowing users to focus on music or calls.
Transparency mode has also been refined with new signal processing that makes outside sounds feel more natural while listening to audio.
Higher-fidelity sound and lossless audio
Audio quality also receives a boost. Apple says the AirPods Max 2 include a new high dynamic range amplifier, which helps deliver cleaner audio with better bass consistency and clearer mids and highs. For wired listening, the headphones support 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable. This allows higher-quality playback for music, movies, and games. The AirPods Max also supports this, but only with the Type-C model.
Apple is also highlighting the headphones for professional workflows. With USB-C connectivity, creators can use AirPods Max 2 to create and mix music in Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking in apps such as Logic Pro. Reduced wireless latency is also expected to improve gaming responsiveness on devices running iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
New intelligent features powered by H2
Adaptive Audio: Automatically adjusts ANC and Transparency levels depending on the surroundings
Conversation Awareness: Lowers music volume when the user begins speaking
Live Translation: Uses Apple Intelligence to help translate conversations in real time
Voice Isolation: Improves call clarity by prioritising the user’s voice
Camera Remote: Lets users press the Digital Crown to take photos or start video recording on iPhone or iPad
Studio-quality audio recording: Designed for podcasters, interviewers, and creators
Loud Sound Reduction: Helps reduce exposure to loud environmental noise
Personalised Volume: Adjusts listening levels based on user preferences over time
Siri Interactions: Users can nod or shake their head to respond to Siri prompts
With these additions, the AirPods Max 2 is now closer in capability to Apple’s latest earbuds, like the AirPods Pro (3rd generation), while offering them in an over-ear design.
Apple says the AirPods Max 2 are built with several recycled materials as part of its Apple 2030 carbon-neutral initiative. The headphones include 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in magnets, recycled polyester in the ear cushions, recycled gold plating and tin solder in Apple-designed circuit boards. The packaging is also fully fibre-based and recyclable. This is in line with Apple’s green commitment to bring its net emissions to zero by 2030.
The AirPods Max 2 start at Rs 67,900 in India. They will be available to pre-order from March 25th, with sales beginning early next month. The headphones will come in Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue colour options.
With the AirPods Max 2, Apple is clearly targeting premium headphone buyers in the Apple ecosystem. The improvements focus on stronger noise cancellation, better wired audio quality, and smarter software features. For existing users of the first-generation AirPods Max, the upgrade may be most appealing if improved ANC, USB-C lossless audio, and creator tools are important.
However, at Rs 67,900, the AirPods Max 2 remain one of the most expensive consumer headphones on the market, competing with premium options from brands like Sony and Bose, both of which offer strong ANC and spatial audio features at lower prices.
For users already invested in Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the deeper ecosystem integration and advanced features could make the AirPods Max 2 a compelling option.
