March 16, 2026
introducing AirPods Max 2
Powered by H2, AirPods Max are better than ever with more powerful ANC, improved sound quality and new features like adaptive audio and live translation.
Cupertino, California today introduced AirPods Max 2, which brings better active noise cancellation (ANC), higher sound quality and smart features to the iconic over-ear design. Powered by H2, features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Instant Translation appear for the first time on AirPods Max. The new AirPods Max also unlock creative possibilities for podcasters, musicians and content creators, with useful features such as studio-quality audio recording and camera remote control.
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order from midnight on March 25 in Star, Orange, Purple, and Blue, and will go on sale early next month.
"With H2's unmatched performance, AirPods Max have been upgraded for all-day listening and up to 1.5x more efficient ANC," said Eric Tresky, director of audio product marketing.
Active noise cancellation gets even better
Thanks to H2 and new audio algorithms, AirPods Max 2 provides ANC 1.5 times more efficiently than the previous generation.It reduces even more noise - like airplane engines or railway trains - so users can fully immerse themselves in music, work or phone calls.
With a new digital signal processing algorithm optimized for H2 and the array of microphones in AirPods Max, light sounds more natural so users can stay aware of their surroundings and those around them.
The highest fidelity listening experience
AirPods Max 2 features a new high dynamic range amplifier for even cleaner sound while maintaining the amazing sound signature of AirPods Max.Spatial audio content sounds better than ever, with improved instrument localization, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural mids and highs.
music To ensure the highest quality sound for movies and games, the new AirPods Max support 24-bit and 24-bit when connected with the included USB-C cable. Delivers 48kHz lossless audio. Lossless audio and ultra-low latency allow music creators to take full advantage of AirPods Max throughout their professional workflow in Logic Pro and other music creation applications.Using a USB-C cable, AirPods Max are the only headphones that allow musicians to create and mix personalized surround sound with head tracking.1
Wireless audio lag is also reduced, making gaming even more enjoyable. iOS, macOS and iPadOS games become more responsive and immersive when you use AirPods Max 2 and play in Game Mode.
Smart Features Coming to AirPods Max
H2 offers a number of features that make AirPods Max 2 even smarter and more convenient.
- Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts ANC level and sensitivity in response to the environment to improve audio experience.2
- Conversation Stimulation helps reduce the volume of content and reduce background noise when the user starts talking to others nearby.2
- Live Translation, powered by Intelligence 3, helps users communicate in individual languages.4
- Voice Isolation uses advanced computational audio powered by H2 to prioritize speech during calls while blocking background noise.2
- With Camera Remote, users can capture content remotely by pressing the Digital Crown to take a photo and start or stop video recording using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad.
- Studio-quality audio recording enables interviewers, podcasters, singers and other creators to record content with higher quality sound and more natural voice textures.5
Noise reduction helps users avoid exposure to loud environmental noise while maintaining an audible signal of what they're hearing.
- Personalized volume automatically improves listening over time according to user preference.2
- Siri interaction allows users to conveniently and privately respond to Siri announcements with their vibration.head and or and
AirPods Max 2 and the environment
2030 is the company's ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of the decade by reducing product emissions from its three biggest sources: materials, electricity and transport.AirPods Max 2 are made with 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100% recycled polyester in the ear pads, and 100% gold plating and soldering on the fully designed printed circuit boards.Paper packaging is made of 100% fiber and can be easily recycled. 6
Prices and Availability
- Customers in the US and more than 30 other countries and regions can order AirPods Max 2 starting Wednesday, March 25, at /store and in the Store app.They will arrive to customers and will be in store locations early next month.
- AirPods Max 2 starts at $549 (US).
- AppleCare offers unique services and support with flexible options for users.Customers can choose AppleCare + to cover their new headphones, or in the US AppleCare One can cover multiple products in one simple plan.Both these plans include protection against accidents like drops and spills, protection against theft and loss of eligible products, battery replacement service and 24/7 support from experts.For more information, visit /applecare.
- New subscribers can get three months of free music with the purchase of AirPods Max 2. See /promo for details.
- Live translation may not be available in all regions or languages.For feature and language availability and system requirements, please visit support./en-us/121115.
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- AirPods Max users can create and mix personalized spatial audio while using Logic Pro for Mac. iPhone
- Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices with the latest operating system.
- Intelligence is available in beta mode with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Japanese and Korean.Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.For features and language availability and system requirements, see support./en-us/121115.
- Live Edition with AirPods Active noise cancellation on AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2 work with the latest firmware when paired with an Intelligence-enabled iPhone running iOS 26 and later.It supports Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Standard), English (UK, US), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish (Spain).Some features may not be available in all regions or languagesFor more information, see Feature Availability.
- Studio quality audio recording may not be available in all regions and may be subject to local laws.
- Breakdown of US retail packaging by weight.Adhesives, inks, and coatings are not included in the calculations.
