AirPods Max 2: New feature for the Digital Crown Apfelpatient

The AirPods Max 2 offer several improvements over the first generation of Apple's over-ear headphones. While the external design remains largely unchanged, there are some new features and technical upgrades beneath the surface.

One of the most noticeable innovations concerns the Digital Crown, the familiar control element on the side of the headphones. It gains an additional function that, for the first time, allows control of the camera on an iPhone or iPad.

In addition to this new control option, the AirPods Max 2 feature the H2 chip, improved active noise cancellation, optimized sound quality, and several new software features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation.

With the AirPods Max 2, Apple continues its premium headphone line. The model is still aimed at users who want to use high-quality over-ear headphones within the Apple ecosystem.

While Apple has deliberately kept the design understated, the new generation focuses more on functional improvements. In particular, the Digital Crown, which already played a central role in the operation of the previous model, is given an additional function.

At the same time, Apple is integrating new technologies and software features, some of which are already known from other AirPods models, but are now also available in the over-ear headphones.

New feature of the Digital Crown

The Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 gets a new, handy feature. It can now be used as a camera remote. By pressing the Digital Crown, you can:

take a photo
start a video recording
stop a video recording

This control works when the Apple Camera app or a compatible third-party camera app is open on a connected iPhone or iPad.

This allows the AirPods Max 2 to function as a kind of remote control for taking photos and videos. This feature can be particularly useful for shots taken from a distance or for group photos.

Requirements for the camera remote control

The new camera feature of the AirPods Max 2 only works under certain conditions. The following are required:

AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware
a connection with an iPhone or iPad
a device running iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 or later

These software versions are currently in beta testing. However, Apple plans to release them in time for the launch of the AirPods Max 2, barring any unexpected delays.

All Digital Crown controls of the AirPods Max 2

The Digital Crown remains the headphones' main control element. It enables multiple functions for controlling media, calls, camera, and voice assistant.

Volume

Turning the Digital Crown: Increase or decrease the volume

Media control

Press once: Play or pause media
Double press: skip to the next track
Press three times: jump back to the previous track

Telephone functions

Press once: Answer call
Press once: Mute or unmute
Double press: End call

Camera control

Press once: Take a photo or start/stop video recording.

Voice assistant

Press and hold: Activate Siri

These control options allow many functions of the AirPods Max 2 to be operated directly via the headphones.

H2 chip and technical improvements

One of the most important technical innovations of the AirPods Max 2 is the integrated H2 chip. This chip is already familiar from other recent AirPods models and improves several aspects of audio processing. These improvements include:

improved active noise cancellation
optimized sound quality
more efficient processing of audio signals

The H2 chip also allows the headphones to use new software features more efficiently.

New audio and communication features

The AirPods Max 2 support several features designed to improve the listening experience and communication.

Adaptive Audio: Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation to the environment. The headphones can switch between different noise situations and adjust the audio settings accordingly.
Conversation Awareness: Conversation Awareness detects conversations in the vicinity. When a conversation begins, the music automatically becomes quieter, making it easier to have a conversation.
Voice Isolation: Voice Isolation improves voice quality during phone calls. Background noise is reduced so that your voice is clearer to the person you are speaking to.
Live Translation: Live Translation enables real-time translation of conversations. This feature can be helpful when speaking with people who speak a different language.

Siri control with shorter voice commands

The AirPods Max 2 continue to support the familiar "Hey Siri" voice command. In addition, the shorter command "Siri" is now also supported.

This allows the voice assistant to be activated more quickly. Siri can then perform various tasks, for example:

Control music
Send messages
Create memories
Controlling smart home devices

Pre-order, price and market launch

Apple has already released information regarding the availability of the AirPods Max 2. The most important details:

Pre-order: from Wednesday, March 25th
Order options via Apple.com and the Apple Store app
Price in Germany: 579 euros
Planned market launch: beginning of April

Apple has not yet announced a precise release date for the sales launch.

AirPods Max 2: The most important new features at a glance

The AirPods Max 2 offer several targeted improvements over the first generation. In particular, the new camera remote control via the Digital Crown significantly expands the headphones' control options.

In addition, the H2 chip, improved active noise cancellation, optimized sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation provide an expanded feature set.

Priced at €579 and with a planned launch in early April, the AirPods Max 2 remain Apple's premium over-ear headphones within its own ecosystem. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Habanero Pixel)

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the AirPods Max 2

What's new about the AirPods Max 2?

The AirPods Max 2 offer several improvements over the first generation. These include the new H2 chip, improved active noise cancellation, optimized sound quality, and new features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. Additionally, the Digital Crown gains a new function for controlling the camera on an iPhone or iPad.

What new function does the Digital Crown of the AirPods Max 2 have?

The Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 can now be used as a camera remote. Pressing the Digital Crown allows you to:
• Take photos
• Start video recording
• Stop video recording
This feature works with the Apple Camera app as well as compatible third-party camera apps on an iPhone or iPad.

What are the requirements for the camera function?

For the camera remote of the AirPods Max 2 to work, several conditions must be met:
• Latest firmware for AirPods Max 2
• Connection to an iPhone or iPad
• iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 or later
These software versions are currently still in the beta phase, but are expected to be released in time for the market launch of the headphones.

Which functions can be controlled with the Digital Crown?

The Digital Crown of the AirPods Max 2 continues to serve as the central control element. It allows you to control several functions:
• Adjust volume by turning the dial
• Play or pause media
• Switch to the next or previous title
• Answer, end, or mute calls
• Take photos or start and stop videos
• Activate Siri by pressing and holding
This allows many functions to be controlled directly via the headphones.

What new audio features do the AirPods Max 2 support?

The AirPods Max 2 support several intelligent audio features:
• Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation to the environment.
• Conversation Awareness reduces the volume as soon as conversations are detected.
• Voice Isolation improves voice quality during phone calls.
• Live translation enables real-time translation of conversations.
These features are intended to significantly improve the listening experience and communication.

Do the AirPods Max 2 support the "Siri" voice command?

Yes. In addition to the familiar "Hey Siri" voice command, the AirPods Max 2 also support the shorter "Siri" command. This allows you to activate the voice assistant more quickly.

When will the AirPods Max 2 be released?

The AirPods Max 2 can be pre-ordered starting Wednesday, March 25, via Apple.com and the Apple Store app. The market launch is planned for early April, but Apple has not yet announced a specific release date.

How much do the AirPods Max 2 cost?

The AirPods Max 2 are priced at €579 in Germany. This keeps them firmly in Apple's premium segment of over-ear headphones.