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Apple AirPods Max 2

AppleMusic headset

AirPods Max 2

Released April 2026.6Press article9to5mac.com/2026/04/01/apples-upgraded-airpods-max-2-headphones-arrive-in-stores-todayRead 8 October 2026Exact April 1, 2026 in-store launch. March 25 in the SoundGuys metadata is preorder, not retail availability. Last checked 23 October 2026.

Form factor
Over-ear
Audio connections
Bluetooth, USB, Analog
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Battery life (claimed, max)
20h

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All specs

SourceCalculated

General

Series
AirPods1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 8 October 2026
Model numbers
A3454, MHWK4AM/A1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/109525Read 8 October 2026Current Identify your AirPods names AirPods Max 2, A3454, introduced 2026. Reference US Midnight MHWK4AM/A is independently identified by the exact retailer page. Excludes A3184 USB-C first generation and A2096 Lightning.14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact selected US Midnight MHWK4AM/A. Regulatory A3454 is independently established by Apple identification source.
GTIN / EAN
19595103906014Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact selected Midnight MHWK4AM/A, headphones-only listing, UPC 195951039060. Optional stand bundle excluded.
Announced
16 March 20264Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026
Status
Available3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026
Predecessor
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026SoundGuys's review advises owners of the AirPods Max with USB-C not to upgrade to the AirPods Max 2.21Press articlemacrumors.com/2026/03/16/apple-announces-airpods-max-2Read 23 October 2026MacRumors says the AirPods Max 2 are the third AirPods Max, after the 2020 original and the 2024 USB-C update.
Successor
Not available
Launch price (US)
$5494Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026Maker US launch MSRP, preorder March 25, shipping/store availability early April.
Launch price (EU)
€5795Press releaseapple.com/de/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026German maker launch price includes VAT.
Markets
US, DE4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026US maker launch and German maker launch substantiate these markets only.
Colours
Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Segment
Music3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026

Design

Form factor
Over-ear2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Ear cup enclosure
Closed14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026
Wearing style
Headband2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Folding
Not available
Swivelling ear cups
Yes14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact technical table and narrative independently rotating ear cups. Generic Foldable No means no inward hinge, not absence of swivel.
RGB lighting
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available

Drivers and sound

Driver type
Dynamic2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Driver size
40mm13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 technical specification lists 40 mm dynamic drivers. No A2096 teardown capacity transferred.
Drivers per side
114Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact technical table explicitly one per earpiece.
Diaphragm material
Not available
Magnet
Dual-neodymium ring magnet motor3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Exact current driver section. No numerical THD claim is published here.
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Not available
Wireless audio transmission band
Not available
Impedance (passive when specified)
Not available
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
THD (claimed)
Not available
Max input power
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
48kHz4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 202624-bit/48 kHz digital lossless playback using the included USB-C cable. Bluetooth does not inherit this resolution.
Max digital audio bit depth
24bits4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-airpods-max-2-powered-by-h2Read 8 October 2026Same wired USB scope, not microphone resolution.
DAC
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Onboard EQ
Yes10Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 8 October 2026Current guide 27 says Custom EQ settings are stored on AirPods and carry to any paired device. Set using compatible current iPhone/iPad/Mac software. Exact release notes identify firmware 9A348 as introducing Max 2 Custom EQ. The May 2026 SoundGuys no-custom-EQ statement describes earlier software.11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 8 October 2026Current exact supported-model list names AirPods Max 2, not Max 1.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 8 October 2026Exact 9A348 release notes introduce Custom EQ for Max 2. Current original guide separately establishes storage on the headphones and carryover to other paired devices.
Custom EQ bands
310Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/customize-eq-te819024i19r/webRead 8 October 2026Explicit three-band Low, Mid and High playback equalizer. This is separate from automatic Adaptive EQ and Headphone Accommodations.11Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-euro/guide/airpods/aside/glosrqz3g8xj/27/web/27Read 8 October 2026Supported-model scope for the companion three-band EQ guide.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 8 October 20269A348 release notes name low, mid and high controls. Required host software remains the compatible current Apple software described by the guide, not an invented minimum.
EQ presets
Not available
Volume limit
Not available

Spatial audio

Spatial audio support
Personalized Spatial Audio2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Compatible Apple hardware, software and content required. Personal profile needs TrueDepth iPhone camera.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Head tracking
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
ANC type
Hybrid3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Exact current Max 2 page names six outward-facing and two inward-facing cancellation microphones.
ANC microphones
82Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Adaptive ANC
Yes3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts cancellation with environment. Current firmware and compatible host software required.
ANC levels
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Transparency mode
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Conversation detection
Yes3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026
Wind noise reduction
Not available

Measured

Frequency response notes
Public Methodology v2.3 verdict describes bass and midrange close to its target, with a mid-treble dip. ANC-off bass-range noise is noted. Locked numeric measurements are not used.16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026
Bass amount
2dB16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Public Sound Profile category summary rounds bass to +2 dB against the RTINGS target under Methodology v2.3. Precise locked regional/full-range results and test firmware/settings remain unknown. No locked result extraction.
Treble amount
-3dB16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Same public rounded category summary gives -3 dB. Not a full-range error or a graph-picked peak.
Deviation from target
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Measured noise isolation
ANC onOverall (dB)
Yes33.2
Source19Reviewtechgearlab.com/reviews/audio/wireless-headphones/apple-airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Exact ANC test discussion reports average attenuation 33.2 dB. Low/mid/high table values are not stored because precise band bounds and test-specific rig are not stated in this review. Playback level, firmware and host unknown. Historical No EQ statement precedes current 9A348 Custom EQ.
Noise isolation (measured, best)
33.2dB
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Mic quality notes
Standard mode speech recordings have weak rejection of office, street and reverberant noise. Voice Isolation improves noise rejection on a compatible Apple host.15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Exact automated speech recordings, standard versus Voice Isolation. No numerical bandwidth or SNR inferred.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Measured battery life
ANCHours (h)
Yes21.01
Source15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Literal public result: 21 hours and 31 seconds, not 31 minutes. Continuous rundown ANC on, music at 75 dB SPL, added May 27, 2026. Purchased exact MHWK4AM/A unit. Test-specific connection, host, codec, firmware, spatial mode and lighting are not explicitly assigned, so omitted. Review metadata dates/dimensions are not adopted.
Battery life (measured, max)
21.01h
Clamping force
Not available
Weight (measured)
383g(13.5 oz)19Reviewtechgearlab.com/reviews/audio/wireless-headphones/apple-airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Exact public comparison table labels Measured Weight 383 g. Cable, pad inclusion and scale resolution are not explicitly assigned. Maker 386.2 g remains separately claimed.

Microphone

Microphone
Built-in2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Microphone element
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Not available
Voice microphones
32Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Three voice-pickup microphones, two shared with the eight ANC microphones. Nine physical microphones total, not eleven.
Total microphones
Not available
Mic frequency response
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Mic noise reduction
DSP3Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-maxRead 8 October 2026Voice Isolation uses H2 computational audio for transmitted speech. No microphone electrical response or sampling rate inferred.
Flip to mute
Not available
Mute button
Yes2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Mute indicator
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available

Connectivity

Audio connections
Bluetooth, USB, Analog8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 analog route needs Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable sold separately. Included USB-C cable supports digital audio.
Analog source plugs
Not available
Cable connector on headset
USB-C8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026
Longest included cable
Not available
Headset USB plug or port
USB-C8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026
Audio over USB-C cable
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026iPhone/iPad/Mac USB-C playback documented. Calls, Siri and Spatial Audio still require Bluetooth enabled.
Passive wired listening
No19Reviewtechgearlab.com/reviews/audio/wireless-headphones/apple-airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Exact purchased Max 2 test states no passive playback when depleted. Not inferred from USB connector type.
Wireless receiver
None16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Public exact review explicitly states no low-latency wireless dongle.
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Bluetooth
5.32Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 connection section, no LDAC or aptX.
LE Audio
No20Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-vs-apple-airpods-pro-2-157186Read 8 October 2026Exact Max 2 comparison explicitly excludes LE Audio and LC3. Current Apple firmware release notes through 9A348 document Custom EQ, not LE Audio. Bluetooth version alone was not used as proof.
Auracast
No20Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-vs-apple-airpods-pro-2-157186Read 8 October 2026Exact comparison expressly says both miss Auracast broadcasting. Apple Audio Sharing is a separate ecosystem feature.
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Multipoint devices
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Base station
Not available

Latency

We could not find any of these 2 fields. Show them
Low latency mode
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available

Compatibility

Compatible platforms
iOS, macOS, Android9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 8 October 2026Exact named host routes. New Max 2 Apple functionality requires iOS/iPadOS 26.4+ and current firmware. No console or unnamed Windows support inferred.
Connection per platform
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
iOSBluetoothYes
iOSUSBNot available
macOSBluetoothYes
macOSUSBNo
AndroidBluetoothYes
AndroidUSBNot available
AndroidAnalogNot available
Source9Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/104983Read 8 October 2026Current exact Max 2 support: Mac and Android USB audio, Android Bluetooth listen-and-talk, Android 12+ analog with separately purchased cable. iPhone paths from exact 108364. Mac wired calls explicitly require Bluetooth and public RTINGS test found no laptop USB microphone. Unknown iOS/Android USB microphone support omitted.16Reviewrtings.com/headphones/reviews/apple/airpods-max-2Read 8 October 2026Public exact review reports USB microphone not working with laptops including MacBooks. Only the Mac USB row receives false. Other routes remain maker-supported. Detailed measurements and firmware are membership-locked and were not accessed.
Official licence
Not available

Battery and charging

Battery capacity
Not available
Swappable battery
No12Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/airpods/important-safety-and-handling-information-dev4744b22af/webRead 8 October 2026Current guide explicitly restricts battery repair to a trained technician. Battery disposal and repair teardown do not establish normal user swapping.
Batteries included
Not available
Claimed battery life
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothYes20
Source2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Maker maximum. January/February 2026 preproduction Max 2 with iPhone 17 Pro Max, prerelease software, 256 kbps AAC tracks, volume 50%, ANC enabled and fixed Spatial Audio. Full depletion to stopped playback.
Battery life (claimed, max)
20h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
20h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Charging port
USB-C2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Full charge time
Not available
Quick charge time
5min2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Quick charge playback
1.5h2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Around 1.5 h after 5 min charging depleted headset. March 2026 preproduction Max 2 with iPhone 15 Pro Max, prerelease software, 256 kbps AAC tracks, volume 50%, ANC and fixed Spatial Audio.
Use while charging
Not available
Charging dock or stand
Not available

Controls

Controls
Buttons, Volume wheel2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Volume control
Wheel2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Game and chat mix
Not available
Remappable controls
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026User can reverse Crown volume direction and select listening-mode button cycle.
Wear detection
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026Removal pauses audio, replacement within 15 seconds resumes. Lifting one earphone also pauses.
Voice assistant
Siri2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026

Comfort and build

Headband type
Not available
Headband material
Not available
Frame material
Stainless steel14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact build description, corroborated by Apple engineering interview reported by TechRadar.
Ear cup material
Anodized aluminum14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026
Ear pad material
Textile-covered memory foam14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact product narrative. B&H dimensions conflict with labelled Apple body dimensions and are not used. B&H generic multipoint number is not used as proof of concurrent Bluetooth sources.
Replaceable ear pads
Yes13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026
Ear pad attachment
Magnetic13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026Exact identification section specifies magnetic cushions.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Ear cushions13Reviewifixit.com/Device/AirPods_Max_2Read 8 October 2026Easy removable cushions independently corroborated by exact SoundGuys Max 2 review. Batteries are technician-only per Apple.

Software

Companion app
Not available
App platforms
Not available
User firmware updates
Yes8Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/108364Read 8 October 2026Current firmware required by wired-audio setup.18Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/106340Read 8 October 2026Current exact Max 2 firmware 9A348 is listed. Update by charging in Bluetooth range of a Wi-Fi-connected iPhone/iPad/Mac. Apple service can update when no Apple host is available.

Dimensions and weight

Front and side, drawn to scale.

Headset weight
386.2g(13.6 oz)2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Headset including cushions, excludes 134.5 g Smart Case.
Headset dimensions
Width168.6Height187.3Depth83.4mm(6.6 × 7.4 × 3.3 in)2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Maker labelled upright headset axes including cushions.

Certifications

Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
FCC ID
BCG-A345417Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCG-A3454Read 8 October 2026Public grant maps exact A3454 to Apple AirPods Max. Grant date March 16, 2026 is certification, not retail. Internal photos/manual links requested human verification or returned unavailable, so no protected body or battery label data used.
Other certifications
Not available

In the box

In the box
AirPods Max 2, Smart Case, USB-C Charge Cable, Documentation2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026
Cables included
TypeCount
USB-C to USB-C charging and audio cable1
Source2Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specsRead 8 October 2026Included USB-C cable carries charging and audio. Its length is not published by Apple.
Carrying case
Soft15Reviewsoundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-2-review-155613Read 8 October 2026Included soft Smart Case covers cups, leaves canopy exposed. Exact review describes limited protective coverage.

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty (source market)
1year14Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1959755-REG/apple_mhwk4am_a_airpods_max_2_wireless.htmlRead 8 October 2026Included limited one-year manufacturer warranty, not retailer protection plan.

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Sources

We read 21 sources for this headset. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.

  1. Read 8 October 2026Backs 2 fields
  2. Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max/specs
    Read 8 October 2026Backs 25 fields
  3. Maker product pageapple.com/airpods-max
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  17. Regulatory filingfccid.io/BCG-A3454
    Read 8 October 2026Backs 1 field
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  21. Read 23 October 2026Backs 1 field

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