Our tech writer is happy that Apple’s over-ear, noise-canceling headphones have caught up with competitors but notes that might not be enough reason to upgrade.

I replaced my Sony WH-1000XM6 with the AirPods Max 2 for a week - and didn't miss a beat

I’m honestly shocked the AirPods Max 2 even exists. After Apple only added a USB-C port and a few new colors to its over-ear headphones in 2024, I thought it had given up on delivering a proper upgrade to its priciest AirPods model.

But the AirPods Max 2 are an upgrade, not a reimagining. They look identical to the first-gen AirPods Max, and have many of the same problems. The H2 chip, which debuted with the

The new AirPods Max 2 came with significant continuity and noticeable upgrades. Here’s what I’ve learned after testing the headphones for more than a week. The new headphones are identical to the first-generation model with USB-C — the colors were different for the original headphones with Lightning.

Apple’s 50th birthday is also the official release date for one new Apple product: AirPods Max 2. Apple announced

The $549 AirPods Max 2 are set to launch tomorrow, and ahead of the debut of the new over-ear headphones, Apple sent a pair for MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera to check out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.

After a long wait, Apple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2. Here's my full skinny on all the performance and feature upgrades the new model offers.

Experience next-level noise cancellation and audio clarity with AirPods Max 2—discover how Apple’s H2 chip redefines premium headphone tech!

Some Apple products, from AirPods to iPhones, feature dust and water resistance indicated by their IP rating; the AirPods Max 2 are a special case.

In a new interview, Apple execs talk about how and why the AirPods Max 2 update significantly boost its performance. The ultimate aim is making future models only limited by acoustic physics.