Apple’s AirPods Max 2: In Summary
- The AirPods Max launched in December 2020, although a minor update brought USB-C and some new colors in 2024.
- A software update in March 2025 added support for 24-bit, 48 kHz Apple Lossless and Ultra-Low Latency Audio when using the AirPods Max connected via USB-C.
- AirPods Max lack: H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Spacial Audio, Live Translation, water resistance, and Bluetooth 5.3.
In the past couple of years Apple has launched the AirPods 4(in September 2024) and the AirPods Pro 3 (in September 2025), but it’s been almost five years since the AirPods Max debuted in December 2020. Since then Apple has merely updated the color options and changed the adapter from Lightning to USB-C. The AirPods Max is in need of an update, so where is it?
Well, according to often accurate analyst Ming Chi Kuo, tweeting back in May 2025, the new AirPods Max won’t enter production until 2027, so we could be in for a long wait.
While we wait for the AirPods Max 2 to launch we will keep track of all the rumors here, so read on for the latest news about the next generation of Apple’s AirPods.
At a glance: What to expect from the AirPods Max 2
- New lighter design.
- Better noise cancellation.
- H2 or H3 chip.
- Adaptive Audio and other AirPods Pro features.
- Not expected until late 2026 or 2027.
AirPods Max 2: Design
Jason Cross/IDG
There have been numerous complaints about the design of the AirPods Max over the years, with a lighter design and a more protective case the top requests.
We haven’t heard any rumors to suggest that Apple will dramatically change the design, but in May 2025, Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is working on a “lighter” version for release in 2027, but offered no specifics.
Many of AirPods Max’s competitors from Bose, Sony, and even Beats are significantly lighter due to a plastic design. For example, the Beats Studio Pro weigh 260 grams compared to 384 grams for the AirPods Max. It’s unlikely Apple will deviate very far from its iconic aluminum construction, though.
There could changes to the Smart Case, the design of which is not considered protective enough. As we noted in our review of the AirPods Max, the case is “Ill-conceived and poorly executed,” and it needs a total redesign for AirPods Max 2 with more protection and a sleeker design. There haven’t been any rumors about a new Smart Case, although Apple was granted a patent back in 2022 that suggests a fully enclosed case could be in the pipeline.
AirPods Max 2: Sound
Back in September 2024, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicted that new AirPods Max would launch with noise cancellation and adaptive audio. Unfortunately the update was only the addition of USB-C and more than a year later we are still waiting for the other features.
While the AirPods Max can now deliver Lossless audio via the USB-C cable, thanks to a March 2025 update, they are lacking in many ways in comparison to other AirPods and the competition, such as Sony or Sennheiser who have long offered Lossless and even high-resolution wireless.
The current AirPods Max are missing numerous features that are available in the AirPods Pro 2, including Adaptive Audio, precision EQ control, Conversion Awareness and Boost, Hearing Protection, and a high dynamic range amplifier, among other features.
We expect Apple to eventually address those shortcomings in the AirPods Max 2 with an H2 or H3 chip. This would allow for support for features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency Mode, Hearing Protection, Personalised Spatial Audio, as well as Siri Interactions like nodding or shaking the head.
Future adaptive sound modes could dynamically detect everyday situations and adjust the sound accordingly. For example, the automatic activation of profiles for a morning commute in the subway or a relaxed movie night on the couch.
A patent was granted in 2022 that relates to reduced “audio howl” or audio feedback on the AirPods Max, though its not clear how this to apply to future AirPods.
Apple has filed patents relating to the AirPods Max since they launched.
AirPods Max 2: Battery life
Currently the AirPods Max have a decent 20 hours of battery life with ANC on. However, this doesn’t match the competition (see our reviews of the best over ear headphones), which are able to offer more battery life. For example, the Sonos Ace offers a 30 hour battery life.
AirPods Mac 2: Specs
Dust, sweat, and water resistance – currently non-existent – could be improved.
The addition of the U2 chip (found in the AirPods Pro 3) for precise position tracking with Find My is also likely.
Bluetooth in the AirPods Max is Bluetooth 5.0 rather than Bluetooth 5.3 in the AirPods Pro 3, Pro 2, and AirPods 4. Bluetooth LE Audio is becoming the industry standard and should mean improved audio quality and energy efficiency through the new LC3 codec. This would allow the AirPods Max to transmit stereo and multi-channel sound with low latency to both earcups. Range and pairing across multiple devices would also improve.
AirPods Max 2: Release date
In September 2024, Apple swapped the Lightning port for USB-C and launched a set of new colors for the AirPods Max, but that was all that changed.
Indications are that we’ll be waiting until at least 2026 for an update—and possibly as late as 2027, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
AirPods Max 2: Price
At $549/£499, the AirPods Max are Apple’s most expensive AirPods, more than double the AirPods Pro.
They are also expensive when compared to some of the competition, with some of the alternatives we have looked at costing much less. e.g. The Beats Studio Pro at $349.99/£349.99 and the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra at $449/£449.95. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 cost more at $749/£529.
We haven’t heard any rumors about pricing for the 2nd-gen AirPods Max, but we don’t expect any significant cuts, but perhaps the U.S. price could drop to $499. It seems Apple can demand a higher price thanks to its chip ecosystem: coupling, device management and integration into the entire Apple universe being sought after features.
For now, expect to see some good deals on the AirPods Max which are rarely sold at Apple’s recommended price.
Author: Karen Haslam, Managing Editor, Macworld
Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld more than two decades ago. Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Having edited the U.K. print and online editions of Macworld for many years, more recently her focus has been on SEO and evergreen content as well as product recommendations and buying advice.