Apple AirPods Max 2 release date, specs, and price made official in surprise reveal
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Apple has finally launched its second-generation AirPods Max headphones. We now know exactly when the AirPods Max 2 release date is, what the specs are (now powered by the H2 chip), and the pricing details for several regions. The original AirPods Max were released back in 2020, ending reliance on the Apple-owned Beats, and fans have been waiting for a sequel.
The AirPods Max 2 announcement comes less than two weeks after the ‘special Apple event’ in early March. The event marked the launch of a wide range of 2026 Apple hardware, including the all-new budget-friendly MacBook Neo, the cheapest iPhone 17 series smartphone, the iPhone 17e, and more.
AirPods Max 2 release date
While an exact date for wide availability is yet to be made official, Apple says the AirPods Max 2 will arrive at customers and be available in Apple Store locations “beginning early next month” (April). In the meantime, pre-orders will be made available on Wednesday, March 25. Pre-orders will be available in the United States and “more than 30 other countries and regions”.
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AirPods Max 2 come as a surprise reveal, shortly after a wide range of other Apple hardware hit the market this March. We recently saw the tech giant release the iPhone 17e, iPad Air M4, new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBooks, an M5 MacBook Air, and the MacBook Neo on March 11. Not to mention new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR professional monitors.
AirPods Max 2 specs & features
You can find a full list of specifications on the Apple website here; we’ve put together a list of some key specs below.
| Specification | Apple AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip (each ear cup) |
| Audio technology | Apple-designed dynamic driver, Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ, Lossless Audio & Studio-quality audio recording |
| Connectivity | USB-C (Ultra-low latency and Lossless Audio), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Microphones | 8x for Active Noise Cancellation, 3x for voice (two shared with ANC and one additional) |
| Sensors | Optical, position, case-detect, accelerometer (both ear cups) Gyroscope (left ear cup only) |
| Controls | Digital Crown with various controls, Listening mode button, Siri voice controls |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours of listening time (single charge, ANC enabled) Charging via USB-C in Smart Case |
| Size (W x H x D) | 6.64 inches (168.6 mm) / 7.37 inches (187.3 mm) / 3.28 inches (83.4mm) |
| Weight | AirPods Max 2 – 13.6 ounces (386.2 grams), including cushions Smart Case – 4.74 ounces (134.5 grams) |
| Other features | Live Translation, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, Siri Interactions, Live Listen audio, Headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations |
AirPods Max 2 price
Apple says the AirPods Max 2 start at $549 in the US, £499 in the UK, and $799 in Canada. The $549 price tag in the US is the same as the launch price for the first-gen predecessor. Additional extras, such as AppleCare, will drive up the price (monthly and annual subscriptions available), though Apple does offer engraving for free. You can engrave “a mix of emoji, names, initials, and numbers” to make your pair more unique without disrupting the expected delivery time.
How much better are AirPods Max 2 vs Max 1?
We’d say you’re better off waiting for hands-on reviews of the new Max 2 headphones before coming to a conclusion on how the new-gen cans compare to the original AirPods Max. The design is the same as the original set, so if you find the Max 1 headphones comfortable and high quality, you can expect the same from the AirPods Max 2.
In terms of specs improvements, Apple says the new H2 chip in the Max 2 delivers “1.5x more effective ANC [Active Noise Cancellation]” than its predecessor, with a battery life to enable “all-day listening”. Both the original AirPods Max and its 2024 USB-C refresh featured an Apple H1 chip, for comparison.
What colors are the AirPods Max 2 available in?
The Apple AirPods Max 2 will be available in five different colours at launch. The Space Grey, Silver, and other original colors have been ditched in favor of a new palette, though there should still be something for everyone.
- Blue
- Purple
- Midnight
- Starlight
- Orange
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