Apple AirPods Max 2 are finally here. But they’re still missing one key feature
Apple’s long-awaited successor adds smarter features and stronger ANC – but lossless audio still isn’t wireless
More than five years after the original AirPods Max launched in December 2020, Apple has finally unveiled the long-rumoured AirPods Max 2 – a future contender for our list of the best headphones.
But while the new $549 / £499 over-ear headphones bring a whole host of tempting upgrades – including Apple’s newer H2 chip, smarter adaptive listening features, and improved noise cancelling – there’s still one notable missing feature in the form of wireless lossless audio.
Apple says the new AirPods Max support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio, but only when connected using the included USB-C cable. In other words, if you want the highest-quality playback, you’ll still need to plug them in.
That’s likely to disappoint some audiophiles, especially given the growing focus on lossless music streaming through services like Tidal, Apple Music and Spotify Premium, all of which offer lossless playback. For wireless listening, however, the AirPods Max 2 still rely on Apple’s Bluetooth-based audio transmission, rather than a true lossless wireless solution.
For context, headphones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 and Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 support lossless-quality wireless audio using Bluetooth tech like aptX Lossless, unlocking cable-free, high-resolution playback.
I realise leading with this omission sounds nitpicky, but for those looking to squeeze the very best possible sound quality out of their wireless headphones, it’s something that’s hard to ignore. For most casual listeners though, it won’t be an issue. And as mentioned, there are some new additions and improvements in the AirPods Max 2 that are worth getting tentatively excited about.
The big change this year comes from the H2 chip, which replaces the original AirPods Max’s H1 processor. That same chip already powers several of Apple’s newer earbuds – including the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 – where it enables smarter adaptive listening features and improved noise processing.
Bringing the H2 chip’s tricks to the AirPods Max 2 now means that those same capabilities finally arrive on Apple’s premium over-ear headphones. New features include Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Loud Sound Reduction, Personalised Volume, and Siri Interactions, which let users respond to certain Siri prompts by nodding or shaking their head.
If you need a refresh, Adaptive Audio can automatically adjust between noise-cancelling and transparency depending on your surroundings, while Conversation Awareness lowers playback volume when you start speaking to someone nearby.
Apple is also introducing Live Translation support, powered by Apple Intelligence. When paired with a compatible iPhone, the headphones can relay translated speech directly into your ears during in-person conversations.
Along with these software-driven upgrades, Apple claims the new model delivers up to 1.5 times more effective Active Noise Cancellation than the original AirPods Max. A new high dynamic range amplifier is also designed to improve overall audio performance.
There are a few more unexpected additions, too. The AirPods Max 2 can now act as a camera remote, letting you trigger photos or video recording on your iPhone or iPad using the Digital Crown. Apple has also added studio-quality audio recording, which the company says could make the headphones useful for podcasters, musicians, and other creators.
Apple’s announcement also highlighted creative workflows with the AirPods Max 2 – when connected with a USB-C cable, the AirPods Max 2 can be used with Logic Pro to create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio, using head tracking to monitor immersive mixes.
Despite the new internals, the design itself remains largely unchanged. The headphones retain the same distinctive aluminium earcups, mesh headband, and Digital Crown controls seen on the original 2020 model.
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order from 25 March, priced at $549 / £499, with shipping expected to begin in early April across more than 30 countries and regions.
For Apple fans who’ve been waiting years for a proper refresh, the new model clearly brings the Max lineup up to date with many of the smart features already found in Apple’s other AirPods. As always, we’re reserving our judgement till our full, in-depth review, so watch this space.
Esat Dedezade
Contributor 
