Apple AirPods Max 2 launched: Check price, pre-order date, specifications, colours, features and key differences from AirPods Max

Apple has introduced the AirPods Max 2, the successor to the original AirPods Max that debuted in December 2020. The new premium over-ear headphones are priced at Rs 67,900 in India. They come equipped with the latest H2 chip, improved noise cancellation, and several intelligent audio features that were previously limited to the AirPods Pro series.

Pre-orders for the headphones will begin on March 25, while deliveries are expected to start in early April.

Familiar design with internal upgrades

In terms of appearance, the AirPods Max 2 maintain the distinctive over-ear design that has become one of Apple’s signature headphone styles. While the exterior remains largely unchanged, the company has introduced multiple internal improvements.


The headphones feature upgraded microphones, improved digital signal processing, and enhancements aimed at delivering better overall battery performance.

H2 chip unlocks new smart features

The biggest upgrade in the AirPods Max 2 is the transition from the H1 chip to the newer H2 chip. This upgrade enables several advanced capabilities that the first-generation model could not support.

With the H2 chip, the headphones now offer Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation, all of which were previously unavailable on the original AirPods Max.

Apple has also added new control features. Users can now access Siri head gesture controls, while the Digital Crown can function as a camera remote, allowing users to take photos or start video recordings from a distance.

Improved audio quality and spatial sound

The AirPods Max 2 also bring improvements in audio performance. When connected through the included USB-C cable, the headphones support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio.

Apple has also added a new high dynamic range amplifier, which is designed to deliver cleaner sound output. According to the company, the headphones also feature enhanced Spatial Audio, offering better instrument separation and tighter bass.

Battery life and colour options

Battery performance remains similar to the previous model, with the AirPods Max 2 offering up to 20 hours of listening time.

Externally, the design stays the same with the familiar over-ear form factor and knit mesh headband. The headphones will be available in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue colour options.

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max differences

• Price: AirPods Max 2 is priced at Rs 67,900 in India, while the original AirPods Max launched at Rs 59,900.
• Chip: The new AirPods Max 2 uses Apple’s H2 chip, whereas the earlier AirPods Max runs on the H1 chip.
• Active Noise Cancellation: AirPods Max 2 delivers up to 1.5x better ANC performance, while the original model offers standard noise cancellation.
• Adaptive Audio: This smart audio adjustment feature is available on AirPods Max 2, but not supported on the original AirPods Max.
• Conversation Awareness: AirPods Max 2 can automatically lower volume during conversations, a feature missing on the first-generation model.
• Live Translation: Supported on AirPods Max 2, but not available on the original AirPods Max.
• Voice Isolation: AirPods Max 2 offers improved voice clarity during calls, while the original model does not include this feature.
• Lossless Audio: The new model supports 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio via USB-C cable, whereas the original does not support lossless audio.
• Camera Remote: On AirPods Max 2, the Digital Crown can be used as a camera remote, a feature not available on the original model.
• Siri Head Gestures: AirPods Max 2 allows Siri control through head gestures, which is not supported on the earlier version.
• Connector: AirPods Max 2 comes with a USB-C connector, while the original AirPods Max also shifted to USB-C after the 2024 refresh (earlier units used Lightning).

[With TOI inputs]