The AirPods Max 2 are officially available in stores starting today. Following the surprise announcement in mid-March and the start of pre-orders on March 25, the over-ear headphones can now be purchased in Apple Stores, the Apple Online Store, and from authorized retailers such as Amazon. This marks the launch of Apple's most technologically advanced headphone generation right on schedule for April.
Apple unexpectedly unveiled the AirPods Max 2 on March 16th – without a prior event or a large stage. Pre-orders began just a few days later. Today, April 1st, the second generation of AirPods Max is officially available and can be purchased immediately. The launch is taking place simultaneously in over 30 countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
What the AirPods Max 2 offer
The AirPods Max 2 retain the familiar over-ear design with aluminum earcups, stainless steel headband, and breathable mesh ear hook. The biggest difference from its predecessor lies under the hood: the new H2 chip replaces the aging H1 chip and brings with it a whole host of new features.
Key new features include up to 1.5 times more effective active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, conversation detection, voice isolation, and live translation. The transparency mode has also been improved, reproducing ambient sounds more naturally. Via USB-C, the headphones also support lossless audio at 24-bit/48kHz.
Anyone wanting a detailed overview of all the audio improvements can find a separate article on apfelpatient.de.
New feature for the Digital Crown
One of the most noticeable new features concerns the Digital Crown. For the first time with the AirPods Max 2, it also functions as a camera remote. Pressing the Crown allows you to take photos or start and stop video recordings – provided the camera app is open on a connected iPhone or iPad. This is particularly useful for group photos or shots taken from a distance.
Five new colors
Apple offers the AirPods Max 2 in five colors: Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue. This palette replaces the previous colors and reflects Apple's current design language, which is also found in other products such as the iPhone and iPad.
What has remained the same
Despite the technical innovations, Apple hasn't changed the fundamental design. The form factor, materials, and construction remain identical to the first-generation USB-C version. For those who want a detailed look at the differences between the generations - and what they aren't - you can find the complete comparison here. We've also compiled an overview of what remains the same in the AirPods Max 2.
Price and sources
The AirPods Max 2 cost €579 – Apple is keeping the price the same as its predecessor. The headphones are available in the Apple Online Store, in Apple Stores, and from retailers like Amazon. When purchasing directly from Apple, a free engraving can be added as an option. AppleCare+ is available for €59 per year and covers damage from drops or liquids, among other things.
Buying advice: Are the AirPods Max 2 worth it?
If you're still unsure whether the AirPods Max 2 are the right choice, you'll find all the relevant information in our comprehensive AirPods Max 2 buying guide. It clarifies, among other things, who should consider buying them, what alternatives exist, and whether upgrading from the first generation makes sense.
AirPods Max 2 are available in stores now
With today's sales launch, Apple concludes the chapter surrounding the introduction of the AirPods Max 2. From announcement to pre-order to market launch, just over two weeks passed – an unusually fast timeline for Apple. Technically, the AirPods Max 2 represent a significant upgrade thanks to the H2 chip, improved noise cancellation, and new features like live translation and camera control. The design, however, remains unchanged, which already hints at a possible third generation. For everyone buying today, the AirPods Max 2 are currently the best-performing version of Apple's over-ear headphones. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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