The AirPods Max 2 were officially released on September 20, 2024, featuring a few notable changes like new colors and the addition of a USB-C connector. However, this update falls short of being a significant upgrade, as it lacks key advancements like the H2 chip or an improved charging case.


While the switch to USB-C ensures compliance with EU regulations, most of the core features, such as audio quality, remain unchanged from the original model. This has left many users hoping for more substantial improvements, such as a redesigned body or the addition of gesture controls. At $549, the price remains high, positioning the AirPods Max 2 to compete with premium headphones from brands like Bose, JBL, and Sennheiser.


For many, the AirPods Max still offer one of the best listening experiences available, maintaining Apple's reputation for high-quality over-ear headphones.


### Release Date: September 20, 2024


Apple quietly unveiled the refreshed AirPods Max 2 during the Glowtime event on September 9, 2024, confirming a release date of September 20. While it brought the headphones up to current standards, this update feels more like a refresh than a true next-generation product.



### Pricing: $549 / £499


The AirPods Max 2 are priced at $549 (£499), the same as the original model when it launched in 2020. Given that the technology has not seen any significant advancements, some consumers feel the price point is high. Nonetheless, Apple knows its product is still competitive in the premium headphone market.


### Is This a True AirPods Max 2?


Technically, this release is more of a refresh than a new generation. While Apple is expected to simply refer to them as "AirPods Max" or "AirPods Max 2nd generation," we may need to wait until 2025 for a true successor.


For now, the updated version includes cosmetic changes and a few tweaks rather than groundbreaking advancements.


### Improvements Over the First Generation


#### 1. USB-C for Charging

One of the primary updates is the inclusion of a USB-C connector, replacing the outdated Lightning port. This change aligns with the European Union's regulations mandating a universal charging standard, making it easier for users to charge multiple devices with a single cable.



#### 2. New Color Options

The AirPods Max 2 come in five fresh colors: midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple. While new colors don’t revolutionize the product, they offer consumers more choices for personalization.



### Issues That Remain


Despite these changes, many hoped for more substantial upgrades. Here’s what Apple could have improved:


#### 1. Digital Crown Redesign

The first AirPods Max, released in 2020, featured a Digital Crown similar to that of the Apple Watch. While functional, many had hoped for more modern touch-sensitive controls. In fact, Apple had filed a patent for gesture-based controls, which could have replaced the crown with touch sensors that allow users to control volume, skip tracks, or activate Siri with simple gestures. Unfortunately, this feature didn’t make it into the refreshed model.


#### 2.hi Lack of the H2 Cp

The AirPods Max 2 still use the dual H1 chips found in each ear cup, a setup from the original model. While this offers solid performance, the H2 chip, which is featured in the second-generation AirPods Pro, could have significantly enhanced the device's capabilities, offering improvements in audio processing, battery efficiency, and noise cancellation.


Features like adaptive noise control, personalized volume, and conversational awareness — all of which could have been enabled by the H2 chip — are missing from the AirPods Max 2, which might disappoint users who were looking forward to those updates.



#### 3. No Redesign of the Carrying Case

The original AirPods Max case has been widely criticized for its lack of protection and functionality. Unfortunately, Apple didn’t introduce any changes in this area. The case still doesn’t fully cover the headphones, leaving them somewhat vulnerable to damage. Meanwhile, fans of the AirPods Pro enjoy the added durability of a dust, sweat, and water-resistant case — features that are missing from the AirPods Max lineup.


### Final Thoughts


The new AirPods Max 2 is a mixed bag. While the addition of USB-C and new colors are welcome changes, the lack of more significant upgrades leaves some users underwhelmed. The $549 price tag remains steep for a product that has not advanced much since its initial release in 2020. 


That said, the AirPods Max 2 still delivers an exceptional listening experience, and for many, they remain the best way to enjoy music. Apple fans may have to wait for the next iteration to see more significant innovations, such as the H2 chip or a redesigned case. For now, the refreshed model keeps the AirPods Max competitive in the premium headphone space, but it's clear that Apple has more work to do in future versions to address customer desires for improved features and functionality.