Finance
Apple unveils second-generation AirPods max at $549, more than five years after debut
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 16, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 16, 2026
Quick Summary
Apple on March 16, 2026, launched the second‑generation AirPods Max at $549, powered by the new H2 chip, adding features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation and USB‑C lossless audio capability.
Apple Introduces Second-Generation AirPods Max With Enhanced Features
Apple Unveils Upgraded AirPods Max 2 to Compete in Premium Headphones Market
March 16 (Reuters) - Apple on Monday unveiled the second generation of its premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones at $549, more than five years after the first version's launch.
The update marks Apple's first major refresh of the over-ear headphones since their 2020 debut, as the company adds new features and improved noise cancellation to compete more aggressively in the premium headphones market.
Currently, the segment is largely dominated by Japan's Sony Group, Bose and Sennheiser.
Key Features and Improvements in AirPods Max 2
Advanced Chipset and Availability
Powered by Apple's in-house H2 chip, which runs the latest range of AirPods devices, the new headphones will be available to order from March 25 in more than 30 countries, with retail availability beginning early next month, the company said.
Enhanced Audio and Noise Cancellation
Upgrades to the AirPods Max 2 include better active noise cancellation, an improved microphone system and a range of new features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Live Translation.
Live Translation and Apple Intelligence Integration
Live translation, first introduced on the AirPods Pro 3 in September, enables users to translate in-person conversations across languages using Apple Intelligence, the company's artificial intelligence platform.
High-Resolution Lossless Audio Support
AirPods Max 2 also supports high-resolution lossless audio when connected via USB-C, targeting music creators and professional users who require higher fidelity audio, Apple said.
(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Ananda)
Key Takeaways
- •It’s Apple’s first full refresh of AirPods Max since 2020, aiming to better compete in premium over‑ear headphones dominated by Sony, Bose and Sennheiser; Sony holds ~18 % and Bose ~16 % of the premium segment (360researchreports.com).
- •Key new features include improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation via Apple Intelligence (previously on AirPods Pro 3), and high‑resolution lossless audio via USB‑C (tomsguide.com).
- •The AirPods Max 2 will be available to order from March 25, 2026, in over 30 countries, with availability in stores starting early April (techradar.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple unveils second-generation AirPods Max at $549, more than five years after debut
1What is the price of the second-generation Apple AirPods Max?
The second-generation Apple AirPods Max is priced at $549.
2What are the new features of AirPods Max 2?
New features include improved noise cancellation, an upgraded microphone, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Live Translation.
3When will the new AirPods Max be available?
Apple AirPods Max 2 will be available to order from March 25 in over 30 countries, with retail availability beginning early next month.
4Does AirPods Max 2 support lossless audio?
Yes, AirPods Max 2 supports high-resolution lossless audio when connected via USB-C.
5Which chip powers the new AirPods Max 2?
The new AirPods Max 2 is powered by Apple’s in-house H2 chip.