Apple has now announced the AirPods Max 2, bringing the first major hardware upgrade to Apple's over-ear headphones since their debut. So how does the new model compare with both earlier versions of ‌AirPods Max‌?


In late 2020, Apple announced the AirPods Max, a whole new AirPods variant with an over-ear design. In September 2024, the company refreshed the AirPods Max's selection of color options and swapped the Lightning port for USB-C, enabling 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over a wired connection.

Now, with the arrival of the ‌AirPods Max 2‌, Apple has introduced a far more substantial upgrade than the 2024 refresh. The new model adds the H2 chip, more powerful Active Noise Cancellation, improved Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, updated Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with reduced latency, and enhancements to Spatial Audio and sound quality.


Following the announcement, the full range of differences between the original Lightning model, the USB-C refresh, and ‌AirPods Max 2‌ are outlined below:

AirPods Max (2020, Lightning)	AirPods Max (2024, USB-C)	‌AirPods Max 2‌ (2026)
H1 chip	H1 chip	H2 chip
Active Noise Cancellation	Active Noise Cancellation	Improved Active Noise Cancellation (1.5x stronger)
Transparency Mode	Transparency Mode	Improved Transparency Mode
		Adaptive Audio
		Conversation Awareness
		Voice Isolation
		Personalized Volume
		Loud Sound Reduction
		Camera Remote
		Live Translation
"Hey Siri" commands	"Hey ‌Siri‌" commands	"Hey ‌Siri‌" and "‌Siri‌" commands
		‌Siri‌ Interactions (privately respond to ‌Siri‌ announcements by simply nodding their head yes or gently shaking their head no)
		Custom high dynamic range amplifier
		New digital signal processing algorithm
Spatial Audio	Spatial Audio	Improved Spatial Audio (improved localization of instruments, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs)
	Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable	Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable
Enhanced audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable	"24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable	"24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable
Audio recording	Audio recording	"Studio-quality" audio recording
	Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable	Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable
Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.3
		Reduced wireless audio latency
Reduced latency audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable	"Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable	"Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable
Lightning port	USB-C port	USB-C port
Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green	Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange	Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange
Released December 2020	Released September 2024	Release in April 2026
Now discontinued	Now discontinued	$549

The original AirPods Max with Lightning are becoming increasingly difficult to find as remaining inventory has gradually dried up over the past two years. While some third-party retailers may still have limited stock or refurbished units available, the model is no longer widely sold. For buyers who can still locate a pair at a substantial discount, the Lightning version can remain an appealing option. It offers the same distinctive design, premium build quality, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio support that defined the product when it launched in 2020. If you primarily use AirPods Max wirelessly for casual listenin, have no interest in the newer software capabilities, or have other Lightning devices, the original model still delivers a good core experience.

The AirPods Max with USB-C, introduced in 2024, remain widely available and until today represented Apple's current version of the headphones. Aside from the switch from Lightning to USB-C and a new set of color options, the hardware is largely identical to the original model. A firmware update alongside iOS 18.4 restored wired audio input and enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over a USB-C connection when used with a USB-C to USB-C cable. This gives the USB-C model a clear advantage over the Lightning version for users who want the best possible wired audio quality. It also enables creator-focused capabilities such as Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio and the ability to create or mix content in Spatial Audio with head tracking. For most users listening wirelessly, however, the overall experience remains very similar to the original model.

The newly announced ‌AirPods Max 2‌ represent the first meaningful upgrade to the product since its debut. The new model introduces Apple's H2 chip, enabling significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation, enhanced Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and Voice Isolation. Apple has also improved Spatial Audio performance and added Bluetooth 5.3 with reduced wireless latency. Together, these upgrades bring the over-ear AirPods much closer to the capabilities offered by Apple's latest in-ear AirPods models.

For buyers deciding between generations, the choice largely comes down to how important the new features are. The original AirPods Max still deliver the premium design, sound quality, and wireless listening experience that made them popular. However, for those who want stronger noise cancellation, new features like Live Translation, and the most future-proof option, ‌AirPods Max 2‌ are clearly the model to choose.

Existing owners of the original AirPods Max may want to weigh the benefits of the H2 chip, improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, and reduced wireless latency. Users with the Lightning version may be more inclined to upgrade given their device's age, while those with the newer USB-C variant may find the improvements less essential if they are satisfied with the current feature set. For frequent travelers, people who regularly listen in noisy environments, or anyone who simply wants the most advanced version of Apple's over-ear headphones, the upgrade may still be worthwhile.

AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the ‌AirPods Max 2‌ may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The AirPods Max often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
This article, "AirPods Max 1 vs. AirPods Max 2 Buyer's Guide: 25+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today unveiled AirPods Max 2, with key upgrades including the H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation.


The new AirPods Max have the same overall design as the previous generation, with most of the new features coming from the upgrade to the H2 chip:

- Adaptive Audio adjusts the levels of ANC and Transparency in response to the environment automatically to optimize the audio experience.

- Conversation Awareness helps lower content volume and reduce background noise when a user starts speaking to someone nearby.

- Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, helps users communicate across languages in person.

- Voice Isolation uses advanced computational audio powered by H2 to prioritize the voice during calls, while blocking out ambient noise.

AirPods Max 2 also support Personalized Volume, which adjusts the volume based on a combination of your surroundings and your volume preferences.

With the H2 chip, Apple says the AirPods Max 2 deliver up to 1.5× more effective active noise cancellation than the previous generation, and it promised that the Transparency mode that lets in some ambient noise sounds even more natural.


AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for "even cleaner audio," and Apple says Spatial Audio content "sounds better than ever." The headphones also have reduced wireless audio latency compared to the previous generation.

The headphones still have a USB-C port for charging and lossless audio. Apple advertises up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge with active noise cancellation enabled, which is unchanged compared to the previous generation.

Like the previous AirPods Max running iOS 18.4 or newer, the AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with the included USB-C cable, for the highest-quality wired playback. For wireless connectivity, AirPods Max 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the previous AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.0.

Color options remain Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue.


A new Camera Remote feature allows users to press the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using Apple's Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on an iPhone or iPad.

AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app starting Wednesday, March 25 in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries, and they launch on an unspecified day in early April. In the U.S., AirPods Max 2 have the same $549 price as the previous AirPods Max, which Apple is no longer selling.

AirPods Max 2 come with a Smart Case, which has the same design as it always has. The headphones enter an ultra-low-power state when placed in this carrying case, which is fairly important, as the headphones still lack a power button.

These are technically the third AirPods Max headphones to be released. The original AirPods Max with a Lightning port launched in December 2020, and the headphones received a minor update with a USB-C port and new color options in September 2024.
This article, "Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 With H2 Chip and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Amazon today has the AirPods Pro 3 available for $209.99, down from $249.00. This is only about $10 higher when compared to the Amazon all-time low price, which has been hard to come by in recent weeks.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts.



If you're shopping for the AirPods 4, Amazon also has a solid discount on the base model at $99.00, down from $129.00. Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

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This article, "AirPods Pro 3 Available for $209.99 on Amazon This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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We're only three months away from Apple's WWDC 2026 event, which will see the company unveil iOS 27. With the fully revamped version of Siri possibly delayed until September, ‌iOS 27‌ is shaping up to be the update we wanted iOS 26 to be.


There will be new Apple Intelligence features, updates for the iPhone Fold, and more, with the latest rumors summarized below.

Foldable iPhone Features

Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone in September, a device that could possibly be called the iPhone Fold. Rumors suggest that it will feature a 5.5-inch display when folded, and a 7.8-inch display when it's opened up like a book.


An iPhone with a larger display that also folds will require some major updates to iOS, and ‌iOS 27‌ will focus on building new interfaces and experiences made for a larger display.

The iPhone Fold will operate like a cross between an iPhone and an iPad, but it will run iOS, not iPadOS, and it won't support ‌iPad‌ apps. When unfolded, the iPhone will have an iPad-like layout that supports multitasking with two apps side-by-side. Many of Apple's iPhone apps will have sidebars on the left of the display, with Apple providing developers with tools to easily adapt their apps to the new layout.

Apple is using a wider design for the iPhone Fold than most foldable smartphone makers have used, and it is rumored to have an iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio. When the iPhone is closed, it will have a standard iPhone layout that looks like the version of iOS we have now.

Smarter Siri

We were supposed to get the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ version of ‌Siri‌ in iOS 26.4, but Apple is still having problems with development. ‌Siri‌ isn't yet operating as expected, and it's not ready to launch.

Some or all of the new ‌Siri‌ features could be pushed to ‌iOS 27‌, though there's a chance we'll get something new in iOS 26.5. It's a little unclear just what we'll get and when, because ‌iOS 27‌ is also supposed to include a chatbot version of ‌Siri‌ that will operate more like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

We could get an entirely revamped chatbot version of ‌Siri‌ with all of the new features all at once, or we could get the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ update and then chatbot functionality in a later ‌iOS 27‌ update.

Apple is partnering with Google and plans to use a custom AI model built in collaboration with Google's Gemini team for some of the new ‌Siri‌ features, including the ‌Siri‌ chatbot functionality that's coming.

Apple Intelligence Siri Features We're Waiting On

Apple described three specific ways that ‌Siri‌ will improve with ‌Apple Intelligence‌ integration, including personal context, the ability to see what's on the screen to know what the user is talking about, and the capability to do more in and between apps.

‌Siri‌ will understand pronouns, references to content on the screen and in apps, and it will have a short-term memory for follow-up requests.

Personal Context

With personal context, ‌Siri‌ will be able to keep track of emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learning more about you to help you complete tasks and keep track of what you've been sent.

• Show me the files Eric sent me last week.


• Find the email where Eric mentioned ice skating.


• Find the books that Eric recommended to me.


• Where's the recipe that Eric sent me?


• What's my passport number?

Onscreen Awareness

Onscreen awareness will let ‌Siri‌ see what's on your screen and complete actions involving whatever you're looking at. If someone texts you an address, you can tell ‌Siri‌ to add it to their contact card. Or if you're looking at a photo and want to send it to someone, you can ask ‌Siri‌ to do it for you.

Deeper App Integration

Deeper app integration means that ‌Siri‌ will be able to do more in and across apps, performing actions and completing tasks that are just not possible with the personal assistant right now. We don't have a full picture of what ‌Siri‌ will be capable of, but Apple has provided a few examples of what to expect.

• Moving files from one app to another.


• Editing a photo and then sending it to someone.


• Get directions home and share the ETA with Eric.


• Send the email I drafted to Eric.

Answers and Images

Back in August 2025, Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi told employees that efforts to update the architecture were promising enough that Apple would be able to implement a "much bigger upgrade" than Apple originally envisioned.

Since then, rumors suggest that Apple will add image generation capabilities to ‌Siri‌, relying on Image Playground. ‌Siri‌ is also expected to get a "World Knowledge" search feature that would provide information on general search queries using information pulled from the web. ‌Siri‌ will be able to summarize web results like ChatGPT to answer questions.

Chatbot Siri

Apple is planning to turn Siri into a full chatbot that users can interact with similarly to Claude or ChatGPT. The ‌Siri‌ chatbot will be deeply integrated into Apple's operating systems at the system level, and it won't be a standalone app experience.

Users will activate ‌Siri‌ by speaking the ‌Siri‌ wake word or pressing on the side button of the iPhone, similar to how ‌Siri‌ works now. There's no word yet on what the ‌Siri‌ chatbot interface will look like, but Apple will need to make major changes if it wants to match the functionality offered by chatbot apps. Right now, there's no way to have a back and forth typed conversation with ‌Siri‌ where the conversation history is visible, and that will need to change.

The ‌Siri‌ chatbot will be able to do everything current chatbots can do, like searching the web for information, analyzing uploaded files, and summarizing information, but since it will be integrated into the iPhone at the system level, ‌Siri‌ will also be able to ingest information from on-device data, control device features and settings, use personal data for tasks, analyze on-screen content, and more.

Siri Design Update

With ‌iOS 27‌, Apple could update Siri's design. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of ‌Siri‌ that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of ‌Siri‌ could also come to the iPhone and ‌iPad‌.

Core AI Framework

Apple will introduce a Core AI framework for developers that replaces the current Core ML framework. The Core AI framework will provide developers with a way to integrate AI models into their apps.

Liquid Glass

‌iOS 27‌ is likely to include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with ‌iOS 26‌. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but ‌iOS 27‌ will provide Apple with the opportunity to make more bigger adjustments.

AI Calendar App

‌iOS 27‌ could include a Calendar app that incorporates AI.

AI Health Features

Apple planned a full AI-powered Health+ subscription service, but plans have been scaled back. Some components that Apple planned to implement could still be introduced in ‌iOS 27‌, though it's unclear what we'll get.

Health+ reportedly would have provided health recommendations in the Health app, delivering detailed health reports, videos that explain medical conditions, and wellness tips.

New Satellite Features

Apple is working on several new satellite features for the iPhone, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as 2027. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required.
Rumored features:

• Apple Maps via satellite


• Photos in Messages via satellite


• Satellite API framework for third-party apps


• Satellite over 5G


• Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky

Some of these features might require new hardware, but options like ‌Apple Maps‌ via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now.

Performance and Stability

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described iOS 27 as a "Snow Leopard" update, suggesting that Apple will focus on improving underlying performance and quality.

Apple is prioritizing cleaning up the iOS code and removing anything that's outdated, which could mean upgrading apps to improve performance and rewriting some existing features to be more efficient. The code updates could provide a more responsive, faster version of iOS.

Apple is also aiming for efficiency improvements that could translate into tangible battery life gains.

Launch Date

New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when new iPhone models come out.
This article, "10+ New Features Coming in iOS 27" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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After Apple's big week of announcements, this week saw all of the new products officially become available, so reviewers and general users alike are now getting their hands on them and putting them through their paces.


Apple also started ramping up plans for celebrating the company's 50th anniversary coming up on April 1, with Tim Cook sharing a letter addressing the milestone and the company even hosting a brief musical appearance by Alicia Keys at its Grand Central Terminal store in New York City, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

Top Stories

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Apple this week announced that it plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary, which is on April 1. Ahead of the big date, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a "50 Years of Thinking Different" letter.


"While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the people and communities who have thought different with us, and to honor the enduring values that continue to guide our work," said Apple, in a press release.

Apple has also launched a new "Hello Apple" account on Instagram where it will share company news, stories, product marketing, and more, while journalist David Pogue has just released a new book chronicling the history of Apple over its first 50 years. And on Friday, Apple hosted a surprise musical appearance by Alicia Keys at its Grand Central Terminal store as part of the anniversary celebration.

Apple Released Seven New Products This Week

As of Wednesday, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week became available at Apple Stores and started arriving to customers.


The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but availability varies, so make sure to see if your local store has stock via Apple's online store.

Apple Could Launch Three New 'Ultra' Devices This Year

Apple is planning to launch at least three new "Ultra"-class devices this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


While it is unclear whether the new products will carry the "Ultra" name, Apple is planning to launch at least three such devices this year: Apple's first foldable iPhone with an expected price tag of at least $2,000, higher-end AirPods Pro equipped with infrared cameras, and a premium MacBook Pro with touchscreen OLED display that may sit above the current MacBook Pro models in the lineup.

Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 4

Apple is continuing to test the iOS 26.4 beta, and the latest update became available for developers and public beta testers earlier this week.


As testing goes on, there are fewer new features in each beta, but this week’s release adds new emoji characters and support for the new iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air, and makes a few other changes.

Apple 'HomePad' to Offer Magnetic Snap-to-Wall Feature and More

Apple's upcoming "HomePad" will offer a magnetic snap-to-wall feature and more, according to the leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami."


In a post on X this week, Kosutami said that one of the HomePad prototypes features a MagSafe-like snap-to-wall capability, along with doorbell integration. It is said to be heavily reliant on Apple Intelligence.

With Apple's ongoing delays for the enhanced Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, it appears the HomePad may not launch until this fall. Updated Apple TV and HomePod models may also be waiting for the upgraded Siri.

iPhone Fold to Feature iPad-Style Multitasking and Layouts

While Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will run iOS and not iPadOS, it will function as more of a hybrid device, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


The iPhone Fold will reportedly be able to run two iPhone apps side by side on the large internal display, which will be roughly the size of an iPad mini display. Apple is also revamping its apps to support sidebars for this mode, and third-party developers will be able to adapt their apps to use them as well. The iPhone Fold will, however, lack the more extensive multitasking capabilities of iPadOS and will not be able to directly run iPad-optimized apps.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
This article, "Top Stories: Apple's 50th Anniversary, New and Upcoming Products, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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