After more than five years since the debut of the original AirPods Max, Apple has released the highly anticipated sequel. While this update brings significant internal improvements, it stops short of being a complete reimagining of the premium over-ear headphones.

Audio Performance and Internal Upgrades

The Power of the H2 Chip

The new AirPods Max 2 are powered by the H2 chip, an upgrade from the previous H1. This chip enables several new features, including adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and live translation capabilities.

Enhanced Sound Quality

The 40-millimeter drivers remain, but they are now driven by an improved high dynamic range amplifier, resulting in superior audio fidelity. The bass response is notably full and well-defined, handling deep low frequencies—such as in Billie Eilish’s “bury a friend”—without sounding muddy.

The low-end provides satisfying oomph for pop, rock, and orchestral music without obscuring the upper frequencies. Vocals and instruments in the midrange are clearly delineated, exemplified by the rich, warm sound of the French horn in Brahms’ “Piano Concerto No. 2” featuring Emil Gilels.

Furthermore, the Max 2 now supports lossless audio streaming at 24-bit / 48kHz when connected via a USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

Ecosystem Integration and New Features

Seamless Apple Experience

As expected from Apple hardware, the AirPods Max 2 integrate smoothly into the Apple ecosystem. Users benefit from fast pairing, spatial audio, auto-switching between Apple devices, and Siri interactions controlled by head gestures.

H2 Chip Functionality Deep Dive

The H2 chip brings features previously seen in AirPods Pro 2, now fully realized in the Max 2. Adaptive audio blends Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes to adjust dynamically to ambient noise.

The reviewer noted that Apple achieves the best blend for ANC/transparency, making manual adjustment unnecessary. Conversation awareness is available, though sometimes slow to react, and voice isolation performs well, though call clarity trails behind competitors like Sony headphones.

Non-Apple Device Limitations

Connecting the AirPods Max 2 to non-Apple devices results in the loss of key features. Functionality such as auto-switching, Siri gestures, fast pairing, spatial audio, and adaptive audio become unusable, though basic ANC toggling remains accessible.

Persistent Design Flaws and Pricing

Familiar Form, Familiar Weight

Structurally, the Max 2 are nearly identical to the first generation, boasting premium materials like aluminum ear cups, a stainless steel headband, and a knit mesh canopy. However, they retain the significant weight issue, clocking in at 385 grams, substantially heavier than rivals like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose Ultra Headphones (around 254 grams).

The clamping force proved uncomfortable for some users after short periods, although the reviewer managed a couple of hours before noticing pressure on the head and ears.

The Unchanged Accessories

A major drawback remains the inadequate carrying case, described as a flexible wrap that merely puts the headphones into a deep sleep mode. This offers virtually no protection for the expensive hardware, especially the mesh headband, leading to concerns about tossing them into luggage.

Another persistent complaint is the lack of a physical power button. While the headphones enter deep sleep when placed in their wrap, which preserves battery life for months, the option for a complete manual shutdown is still absent.

The $549 Price Tag

Priced at $549, the AirPods Max 2 remain significantly more expensive—about $100 more—than the current flagship models from Sony and Bose, even considering general price increases in the market.

Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade for Apple Loyalists

The AirPods Max 2 deliver incredible sound, top-tier ANC, and seamless usability within the Apple ecosystem. For current first-generation Max owners, particularly those using the older Lightning version, this is a substantial and worthwhile upgrade.

However, for the majority of consumers, these are not the ideal choice. Competitors like the Sony XM6 and Bose Ultra offer better value, lighter designs, superior travel cases, and better multipoint connectivity for users outside the Apple environment. With minor design fixes and a proper case, the Max 2 could have been perfect, but for now, users must wait for the next iteration.