The long-awaited AirPods Max 2 is finally here. Below, you will find a comparison of all the differences between the AirPods Max 2 and the previous AirPods Max models; with both USB-C and Lightning ports.

H2 vs H1: Not Just a ‘Chip Upgrade’

AirPods Max 2 and the previous AirPods Max are similar in many ways. They have the same design, the same weight, offer 20 hours of battery life, have the same Smart Case, and Apple has reused the same colors for the USB-C model of AirPods Max 2.

However, there is one significant internal change that greatly enhances the overall experience.

While AirPods Max 2 features the H2 chip, the previous AirPods Max models use the H1.

A more powerful chip in an iPhone, iPad, or Mac generally means your device operates faster.

However, with AirPods Max 2, the H2 reveals many improvements: better sound quality with a new amplifier, enhanced features like ANC and Transparency mode, and a completely new list of features for AirPods Max.

Note: The previous AirPods Max with USB-C and the original AirPods Max with Lightning are nearly identical aside from the port. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, all comparisons of AirPods Max 2 below apply to the old USB-C and Lightning models.

AirPods Max 2 Sound Experience: New Amplifier, Better ANC and Transparency

While sound quality is the most important feature for headphones, it can be difficult to measure. In Apple's press release, for example, it is stated that AirPods Max 2 has "enhanced sound quality." But what does that mean?

Here are the details Apple shared about the improved sound quality in AirPods Max 2:

AirPods Max 2 includes a new high dynamic range amplifier for cleaner sound while preserving the incredible sound signature of AirPods Max. Spatial Audio content is heard with better instrument placement, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mid and high frequencies.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode gain improvements that are a bit more understandable.

For ANC, Apple states that AirPods Max 2 offers "1.5% more Active Noise Cancellation" compared to previous AirPods Max models. This could be the biggest selling point for many potential upgraders.

For Transparency mode, Apple claims that AirPods Max 2 provides a more natural sound "thanks to a new digital signal processing algorithm optimized for H2."

New H2 Features Only Available with AirPods Max 2

For years, Apple has been adding new features to AirPods Pro and AirPods models that include the H2 chip. However, since AirPods Max was limited to H1, it was always left out of these upgrades.

Now, with the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 reveals many new features that were not available in previous AirPods Max models.

For example, with AirPods Max 2, you only need to say "Siri" to call the assistant. In the original AirPods Max, you had to say "Hey Siri."

According to Apple's press release, here is the complete list of other new features:

  • Adaptive Audio: Automatically responds to the environment by adjusting ANC and Transparency levels, optimizing the sound experience.
  • Conversation Awareness: Reduces content volume and minimizes background noise when the user starts talking to someone.
  • Live Translation: Powered by Apple Intelligence, helps users overcome language barriers in face-to-face communication.
  • Sound Isolation: Prioritizes voice during calls using advanced computational audio supported by H2, blocking out environmental noise.
  • Camera Remote Control: Users can capture content by pressing the Digital Crown to take photos and start or stop video recording while using the Camera app on iPhone or iPad or compatible third-party camera apps.
  • Studio-Quality Audio Recording: Interviewers, podcast broadcasters, singers, and other content creators can record their content with higher quality audio and more natural vocal texture.
  • High Noise Reduction: Helps prevent users from being exposed to high environmental noise while preserving the signature of the audio they are listening to.
  • Personalized Volume: Automatically adjusts the listening experience based on user preferences over time.
  • Siri Interactions: Allows users to respond to Siri announcements simply by nodding their heads or gently shaking their heads in a private and easy way.

If you've used AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods 4 with ANC, these features will seem familiar to you. However, these features were not available in AirPods Max until the new model arrived.

AirPods Max 2 and AirPods Max: Small Details and Overall Assessment

Finally, there are a few noteworthy small differences:

  • If you are upgrading from the original Lightning AirPods Max, AirPods Max 2 will offer USB-C for the first time and provide 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio support over wired USB-C connection.
  • While AirPods Max 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, previous AirPods Max are limited to Bluetooth 5.0.

Overall, AirPods Max 2 offers many exciting upgrades over both the original Lightning model and the USB-C version.

With better sound quality, support for features like ANC and Transparency along with Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, and Siri Interactions, just saying "Siri" can be motivating for an upgrade.

You can purchase AirPods Max 2 at a discounted price of $529, down from $549.

Will you be upgrading to AirPods Max 2? If so, are you currently using the Lightning or USB-C model? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone Accessories

  • AirPods Max 2 (limited time price of $529)
  • AirPods Pro 3 (limited time price of $199)
  • 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
  • MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
  • Apple’s new AirTag 2 (single pack / 4-pack)
  • 100W USB-C fast charging adapter