Trending Now - Apple Unveils Upgraded Airpods Max 2 With Price Tag of $549

WHO:

Apple Inc. is the organization releasing the new product.

The new product is called AirPods Max 2.

WHAT:

The H2 chip has previously been used in the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 and later, but it's new to the AirPods Max.

Adaptive Audio includes Loud Sound Reduction, which automatically reduces loud environmental sounds like lawn mowers or construction equipment.

Apple states that the H2 chip and a new high dynamic range amplifier provide more headroom for the driver, resulting in richer bass, more natural vocals, and improved localization of instruments.

Adaptive EQ has been retuned for the H2 chip, extending to higher frequencies for a more consistent listening experience across different fits, movements, and ear geometry.

The AirPods Max 2 support the option to activate Siri without using "Hey."

AirPods Max 2 feature a new camera remote function that allows users to take photos and start or stop video recording using the Digital Crown while using Apple's Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on an iPhone or iPad.

Apple is no longer selling the previous generation of AirPods Max, which had a price of $549.

AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for "even cleaner audio."

Apple states that Spatial Audio content "sounds better than ever" with AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max 2 support Personalized Volume, which adjusts the volume based on surroundings and user preferences.

The headphones have reduced wireless audio latency compared to the previous generation.

Color options for AirPods Max 2 include Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue.

AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries.

The original AirPods Max with a Lightning port launched in December 2020, and a minor update occurred in September 2024, which included a USB-C port and new color options.

Apple has launched AirPods Max 2, the successor to the previous generation of headphones.

The price of AirPods Max 2 is $549.

Key upgrades include the H2 chip, enhanced active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation.

AirPods Max 2 deliver up to 1.5 times more effective active noise cancellation than the previous generation.

The headphones support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with the included USB-C cable.

AirPods Max 2 have a battery life of up to 20 hours with active noise cancellation enabled.

WHERE:

AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries.

WHEN:

The official launch date for AirPods Max 2 is set for an unspecified day in early April 2026.

Orders for AirPods Max 2 will start on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026.

The official launch date is set for an unspecified day in early April 2026.

The original AirPods Max were launched in December 2020, and a minor update occurred in September 2024.

WHY:

The upgrades in AirPods Max 2 are aimed at enhancing user experience with features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation.

HOW:

The AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with the included USB-C cable, which is the same as the previous generation.

The H2 chip powers the new features, including advanced computational audio for Voice Isolation.

AirPods Max 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, improving wireless connectivity compared to the previous generation, which supported Bluetooth 5.0.

A new camera remote feature allows users to take photos and start or stop video recording using the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:25 UTC)

Apple has announced that the new AirPods Max 2 will feature the H2 chip, which has previously been used in the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, marking its debut in the Max lineup. This model includes Adaptive Audio with Loud Sound Reduction to automatically lower loud environmental noises, and it also boasts enhanced sound quality thanks to a new high dynamic range amplifier that enriches bass and improves vocal clarity. Additionally, the AirPods Max 2 will allow users to activate Siri without saying "Hey," and they are set to launch in early April 2026.

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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 21:09 UTC)

Apple has officially launched the new AirPods Max 2, which now include a camera remote function that lets users take photos and control video recording directly from the Digital Crown while using the Camera app on their iPhone or iPad. In a significant move, Apple has discontinued the previous generation of AirPods Max, which were priced at $549. The new model continues to support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio through the included USB-C cable, maintaining the same high-quality audio experience as its predecessor.

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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 19:22 UTC)

Apple has just announced the AirPods Max 2, which feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for cleaner audio and improved Spatial Audio content that sounds better than ever. These headphones also come with Personalized Volume to adjust sound based on your surroundings and preferences, along with reduced wireless audio latency compared to the previous generation. Available in Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue, the AirPods Max 2 will be ready for order starting Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the U.S. and over 30 other countries.

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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 17:22 UTC)

Apple has officially launched the AirPods Max 2, the successor to the previous generation of headphones, priced at $549. These new headphones feature significant upgrades, including the H2 chip, enhanced active noise cancellation that is 1.5 times more effective, and support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, all designed to elevate the user experience. Orders will begin on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with availability on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app across the U.S. and more than 30 other countries, while the official launch is set for early April.