Audio · Apple Silicon · 2026
AirPods Max 2
The second-generation AirPods Max move to Apple’s H2 chip, adding up to 1.5× more Active Noise Cancellation (eight microphones), lossless and ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.3. Five new colors: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple and Orange, with up to 20 hours of listening with ANC on.
First AirPods Max with the H2 chip and up to 1.5× more Active Noise Cancellation.
The colours
AirPods Max 2 comes in five anodised aluminium finishes, arranged here on the store display.
AirPods Max 2: key facts
When was the AirPods Max 2 released?
The AirPods Max 2 arrived in April 2026.
How much did the AirPods Max 2 cost?
The AirPods Max 2 launched at $549 in 2026, about $554 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Dual Apple H2, USB-C.
Why does the AirPods Max 2 matter?
First AirPods Max with the H2 chip and up to 1.5× more Active Noise Cancellation.
Full specifications
| CPU | Dual Apple H2 |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | — |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Weight | 386 g (13.6 oz) |
| Dimensions | Over-ear headphones |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | April 2026 |
| Discontinued | — |
| Launch price | $549 |
How the AirPods Max 2 compares to today
Launched at $549 in 2026, about $554 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple AirPods Max technical specifications, Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Related Audio models
Open the AirPods Max 2 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-14