Apple unveils AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip and enhanced ANC, check full details here

Apple launches AirPods Max 2 in five different colours starting at Rs 67,900. (Pic/Apple)

Apple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2, the upgraded version of its popular over-ear headphones, promising better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved sound quality, and a suite of intelligent features powered by the new H2 chip.

The AirPods Max 2 also bring innovations like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Voice Isolation, and creative tools for musicians and podcasters, making them the most advanced AirPods Max yet.

They will be available to order from March 25, 2026, with in-store availability starting early next month.

Eric Treski, Apple's director of Audio Product Marketing while highlighting the AirPods Max 2 said, "With the incredible performance of H2, AirPods Max are upgraded with up to 1.5x more effective ANC for the ultimate all-day listening experience."

Eric further asserted, "The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed - and when combined with capabilities like Personalised Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience."

Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, Blue

Price in India: Rs 67,900

Enhanced active noise cancellation and transparent sound

Thanks to the H2 chip and new audio algorithms, ANC is up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation, reducing noise from air planes, trains, or busy streets.

Transparency mode also benefits from improved processing, letting users hear their surroundings more naturally without removing the headphones.

High-fidelity audio for music, movies and games

AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for clean, detailed sound while retaining the signature AirPods Max audio profile. Spatial Audio is improved, offering more accurate instrument placement, consistent bass, and natural mids and highs.

For professionals, AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via the included USB-C cable. This allows musicians and content creators to record, mix, and experience Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking, making them a versatile tool for Logic Pro and other music apps.

Gaming also benefits from lower wireless audio latency, making the experience more immersive across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS.

Smart features powered by H2 chip

The H2 chip brings several intelligent features:

Adaptive Audio: Automatically adjusts ANC and Transparency based on surroundings.

Conversation Awareness: Lowers media volume and reduces background noise when speaking to someone nearby.

Live Translation: Enables real-time communication across languages in person.

Voice Isolation: Prioritises the user's voice during calls while blocking ambient noise.

Camera Remote: Press the Digital Crown to capture photos or start/stop video recording remotely.

Studio-Quality Recording: Record high-quality audio for podcasts, interviews, or music.

Loud Sound Reduction: Protects ears from high environmental noise while keeping audio clarity.

Personalised Volume: Learns users' preferences to optimise listening.

Siri Interactions: Respond to Siri simply by nodding or shaking your head.

Sustainability and Environment

AirPods Max 2 align with Apple 2030, the company's plan to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire footprint.

Magnets: 100 percent recycled rare earth elements

Ear cushions: 100 percent recycled polyester

Circuit boards: 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder

Packaging: 100 percent fiber-based and recyclable