Apple AirPods Max 2 announced for April 2026, featuring H2 chip, improved noise cancellation, lossless audio, and same $549 price. Learn about key upgrades.
© Apple
Apple has officially announced the AirPods Max 2, set to go on sale in April 2026. The headphones retain the original 2020 design but feature a key upgrade: the new H2 chip, replacing the H1. This update unlocks numerous new functions and enhances existing device capabilities.
Key changes include improved noise cancellation, a more natural-sounding transparency mode, and adaptive audio. The AirPods Max 2 can now recognize conversations, isolate voice, and support simplified Siri access without needing the "Hey Siri" command. For wired connections via USB-C, there is support for lossless 24-bit audio and "ultra-low" latency.
Externally, the AirPods Max 2 are nearly identical to the USB-C model released in 2024. The dimensions, weight, and driver design remain unchanged, as does the inclusion of the Smart Case. The color palette also stays the same: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange.
The price remains $549, though third-party sellers already offer discounts down to $399–449 during sales. Thanks to the H2 chip, users gain enhanced audio capabilities, increased noise cancellation precision, and new features for comfortable music listening and communication.
Apple notes that the AirPods Max 2 release marks the first unexpected presentation of full-size headphones in recent years. The update showcases the company's effort to not only maintain the premium characteristics of its flagship headphones but also add modern technological functions that make the device more versatile and convenient for everyday use.