AirPods Max 2, Apple’s updated over-ear headphones powered by the H2 chip, deliver Active Noise Cancellation up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation, along with new intelligent features including Live Translation and Adaptive Audio. Apple said orders open on March 25, 2026, with availability beginning early next month across more than 30 countries and regions, priced starting at SAR 2,299.
Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing, said the H2 chip enables a cleaner and more acoustically detailed sound. “The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed — and when combined with capabilities like Personalized Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience,” Treski stated.
AirPods Max 2 Active Noise Cancellation Performance
The H2 chip, combined with new computational audio algorithms, powers ANC that is up to 1.5x more effective than the first-generation model. The improvement targets persistent noise sources such as airplane engines and commuter trains. A new digital signal processing algorithm also refines the Transparency mode, making environmental sounds more natural for users who need situational awareness.
Audio Quality and Lossless Playback
A new high dynamic range amplifier improves audio clarity while preserving the existing sound signature. When connected via the included USB-C cable, AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio. Apple said this makes the headphones the only model that allows musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking inside Logic Pro. Reduced wireless latency furthermore benefits users playing games in Game Mode on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS.
Intelligent Features Powered by H2 and Apple Intelligence
The H2 chip brings several features to AirPods Max for the first time. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts ANC and Transparency levels based on the surrounding environment. Conversation Awareness lowers content volume when the user begins speaking to someone nearby. Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, enables real-time in-person communication across supported languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, among others.
Voice Isolation prioritizes the user’s voice during calls by blocking ambient noise. Camera remote allows users to trigger photo capture or start and stop video recording by pressing the Digital Crown on a connected iPhone or iPad. Studio-quality audio recording supports podcasters, interviewers, and musicians with higher-quality vocal capture. Additionally, Siri Interactions let users respond to Siri announcements by nodding or shaking their head.
Sustainability and Packaging
Apple said AirPods Max 2 use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100 percent recycled polyester in the ear cushion, and 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based. These commitments form part of Apple 2030, the company’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by the end of this decade.
Pricing, Colors, and Availability
AirPods Max 2 are available to order from March 25, 2026, through the Apple Store app and Apple’s website. The headphones come in five colors: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue. In-store availability begins early next month. New Apple Music subscribers may receive three months of the service free with a purchase of AirPods Max 2. AppleCare+ and AppleCare One plans are available to cover the headphones, offering accident coverage, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement, and 24/7 support.