Music listeners
Strong editorial fit
Our editorial sound rating is 93/100. Compare the source information and relevant alternatives; this is an assessment, not a measured workload result.
Manufacturer product image. Image: Apple ↗
Apple · Headphones
AirPods Max 2
H2 chip · 1.5× ANC · 24-bit USB-C lossless
92/100 editorialManufacturer source →
US launch / reference price: $549 · Released 2026-04-01
Editorial overview
Apple's 2026 refresh — H2 chip enables ANC up to 1.5× more effective, 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless over USB-C, and Apple Intelligence features. Announced March 16, 2026; ships April 2026 at $549.
This is a sourced product profile with editorial judgments. Specdex has not tested this device in an in-house lab.
Reasons to consider it
- Up to 1.5× more effective ANC vs original AirPods Max
- 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless audio over included USB-C cable
- H2 enables Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Live Translation
Tradeoffs to check
- Same $549 price with no battery-life increase
- Same exterior design as 2020 original
- Lossless requires wired USB-C connection
Fit by priority
Derived from available editorial ratings, using category-specific criteria.
Noise cancellation
Strong editorial fit
Our editorial anc rating is 95/100. Compare the source information and relevant alternatives; this is an assessment, not a measured workload result.
Long listening sessions
Strong editorial fit
Our editorial comfort rating is 90/100. Compare the source information and relevant alternatives; this is an assessment, not a measured workload result.
Specifications
Configurations and regional models can differ. A dated source beside a field identifies a specific cross-check; other fields remain catalog reference information.
Audio
- Audio
- 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless (USB-C wired)
- Spatial audio
- Personalized with dynamic head tracking
Battery & charging
- Battery
- Up to 20 hours with ANC
- Charging port
- USB-C
Build & design
- Colors
- Midnight / Starlight / Orange / Purple / Blue
Other
- Chip
- Apple H2 headphone chip
- ANC
- Up to 1.5× more effective vs original
- Amplifier
- High dynamic range
- Features
- Adaptive Audio + Voice Isolation + Live Translation
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $549. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
Sources & confidence
Manufacturer source: www.apple.com ↗
Catalog source check recorded 2026-05-11. A reference link is not proof that every field has been independently checked. Consult the linked source for model, region and test conditions.
Editorial scores use rubric editorial-2026-09; they are not manufacturer ratings or measured benchmark results. Missing information is not scored as zero.
