Just like that Oscar upset you didn’t anticipate, Apple simply delivered an enormous shock with the AirPods Max 2. Much like the brand new MacBook Air M5 and iPad Air M4, this long-awaited replace to Apple’s over-ear noise-canceling headphones all about inner {hardware} tweaks that intention to ship improved listening and different perks with out altering an iota of what you see on the surface. Do they’ve an opportunity of being the brand new high noise-canceling headphones or superior over-ear headphones? Let’s break all of the information down forward of the cans’ March 25 preorder date, and see how they evaluate to the prevailing AirPods Max.
Apple’s second-generation over-ear headphones boast the H2 chip for improved noise-canceling in addition to lots of Apple’s signature sensible audio tips.
One of the most important ways in which the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones beat the AirPods Max in my testing was that they provided superior energetic noise canceling, and it seems to be like Apple’s able to get that win again. The AirPods Max 2’s largest new function is the Apple H2 chip it’s used beforehand within the AirPods Pro 3, which provide improbable ANC in my day-to-day utilization. In its press launch, Apple claimed that this chip together with “new computational audio algorithms” present as much as 1.5x “more effective” energetic noise canceling than the AirPods Max that got here earlier than.
Apple specifies “airplane engines or commuter trains” as sorts of sounds that the AirPods Max 2 can be higher at muffling. This is nice to listen to, as a result of as I famous in my AirPods Max vs Sony WH-1000XM6 face-off, the previous had issues eliminating as a lot overhead air circulation and ambient hums because the Sony pair did on a flight I took final yr.
Apple’s additionally added a brand new excessive dynamic vary amplifier, which it says will result in “cleaner audio,” whereas it’s tweaked Spatial Audio for improved accuracy in bass and more-natural mid- and high-range sound. Creators may additionally see enchancment, as Apple claims “studio-quality audio recording” will allow elevated accuracy for captured music and spoken phrase.
Apple calls out Loud Sound Reduction as one of many H2’s marquee options, and says it’s going to assist cut back the harsher noises round you higher than earlier than. This new chip additionally provides Personalized Volume, as these Apple headphones will alter their ranges for you based mostly in your utilization over time.
Apple’s additionally added its sensible perks seen in its different headphones and earbuds, similar to Adaptive Audio for adjusting the mix of ANC and Transparency based mostly in your environment and Conversation Awareness for routinely reducing your music whenever you communicate. They additionally get the AirPods Pro 2 and 3’s Live Translation function for serving to bridge language boundaries. Other new perks embody Voice Isolation mode to allow clearer calls, in addition to the Camera Remote trick that makes use of the Digital Crown as a shutter button, a function that we’ve beforehand seen within the Apple Watch.
Unfortunately, my largest AirPods Max 1 frustration isn’t resolved. Apple’s Smart Case, which is barely a case as a result of it leaves many of the headphones uncovered, continues to be right here. While the Sony XM6 and Bose QC Ultra 2 took wins in opposition to the AirPods Max USB-C in head-to-head comparisons on sound and ANC, their far-more protecting circumstances are nonetheless their most evident benefit.
AirPods Max 2 are additionally nonetheless $549, which is quite a bit to pay nowadays. But in an period the place tech costs are going up due to the generative AI-rooted memory shortage, stability may very well be seen as a superb factor.
Not the entire similarities are dangerous, although. Apple’s nonetheless providing lossless audio and wired USB-C listening, automated gadget switching for all your Apple merchandise and its best-in-class Transparency mode that allows you to hear the world round you. According to Apple’s tech specs, the AirPods Max 2 are the identical precise measurement and weight because the AirPods Max USB-C, and they’re rated for a similar “up to 20 hours” of battery life with ANC on.
The Sony XM6 are more snug than the unique AirPods Max for longer listening periods, although, and I’m hoping there’s some quiet adjustments made that assist your head really feel less-pinched and more cared for this time round.
You’ll additionally see that Apple’s held onto the identical set of colour choices as earlier than, with a brilliant blue, the darkish Midnight, the champagne-like starlight, orange and purple.
Ahead of the AirPods Max 2’s March 25 preorder date and early-April launch date window, I’ve to say that is each a compelling replace and one which doesn’t appear to deal with long-standing points. For those that love the unique AirPods Max and don’t thoughts the worth or Smart Case, this replace could also be good for you. The relaxation might need to enterprise exterior of Apple’s shops for his or her subsequent headphones, as I simply advisable the XM6 to a colleague in search of nice sound for his subsequent flight. Stay tuned for our full assessment of the AirPods Max 2, as we are able to’t wait to listen to how they maintain up below scrutiny.
The AirPods Max 2 have an MSRP of $549.
Yes, and Apple claims that the headphones’ ANC can be even higher than earlier than due to the addition of the H2 chip.
Apple didn’t announce a launch date, however mentioned the headphones can be “available early next month,” which is April 2026.
When it involves design and options, the previous is staying the identical and the massive information comes for the latter. The largest perks this time are improved noise-canceling from the H2 chip, new options like Live Translation and total sound upgrades due to the brand new excessive dynamic vary amplifier.
NCS Underscored has a workforce of expert writers and editors who’ve a long time of mixed expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, and we guarantee every article is fastidiously edited and that something we vouch for is correctly vetted. We discuss to high specialists when related to make sure our product testing is correct as we communicate to the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
NCS Underscored tech author Henry T. Casey has written evaluations of tech products for practically 11 years and has been testing costly headphones for lots of that point. He argued that the the Sony WH-1000XM6 are higher sufficient at all the things for even Apple loyalists to go away the conveniences of the AirPods Max behind.