Apple AirPods Max Archives - Gizmochina

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: What has changed in Apple’s flagship headphones

Anvinraj Valiyathara — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:01:28 +0000

Apple’s AirPods Max headphones have long been positioned as the company’s most premium audio product. With the arrival of the AirPods Max 2, Apple has introduced several upgrades while retaining many of the core design elements that defined the original model. The newer version continues to target users who want high-end audio performance combined with deep integration within the Apple ecosystem.

While the two models share similarities in design and battery performance, the newer version introduces a more advanced chip, improved noise cancellation, and support for newer audio technologies. Here is a closer look at how the AirPods Max 2 compares with the first-generation AirPods Max.

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max

Design and build

In terms of design, the AirPods Max 2 retains the overall look of the original AirPods Max. Both models feature large ear cups connected by a stainless-steel frame and a mesh headband that helps distribute weight evenly. The dimensions remain identical across the two generations.

Both headphones measure 7.37 inches in height, 6.64 inches in width, and 3.28 inches in depth. Each model weighs around 386.2 grams. Apple continues to include the Smart Case with both models, which places the headphones in a low-power state when stored.

The AirPods Max 2 is available in Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange colour options, while the first-generation model originally debuted in the same colour palette. Both versions include the Digital Crown for volume control and playback commands along with a dedicated button for switching listening modes.

Chipset and audio technology

One of the most significant differences between the two headphones lies in the internal chip. The first-generation AirPods Max is powered by Apple’s H1 chip in each ear cup. In contrast, the AirPods Max 2 runs on the newer H2 chip, which enables improved processing for audio features.

Both headphones include Adaptive EQ, personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and Apple-designed dynamic drivers. However, the newer model introduces enhanced active noise cancellation that Apple claims can deliver up to 1.5 times stronger noise reduction compared to the original version.

The AirPods Max 2 also supports Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, features designed to intelligently balance noise cancellation and ambient sound depending on the listening environment.

Noise control and microphones

Each version includes nine microphones in total, with eight dedicated to active noise cancellation and three microphones used for voice pickup. Transparency mode is available on both models, allowing external sound to pass through when needed.

However, the AirPods Max 2 expands on the listening experience by combining Adaptive Audio with Transparency mode, creating a more dynamic noise control system. Conversation Awareness is another feature exclusive to the newer model, automatically lowering media volume when the user begins speaking.

Connectivity and audio support

Both headphones support Bluetooth connectivity and integrate closely with Apple devices through features such as Automatic Switching and voice commands via Siri. The AirPods Max 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3, while the original AirPods Max supports Bluetooth 5.0.

Another major addition in the newer model is support for lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio through USB-C. This allows higher quality audio playback when connected with compatible devices.

The AirPods Max 2 also introduces Live Translation, a feature designed to assist with conversations across different languages.

Battery life and pricing

Battery life remains largely unchanged between the two models. Both the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2 deliver up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled.

They also support up to 20 hours of movie playback with spatial audio and noise cancellation active. Charging is handled through a USB-C connection, and storing the headphones in the Smart Case preserves battery life by placing them in an ultra-low power state.

In terms of pricing, the first-generation AirPods Max launched at $549 in the US and Rs 59,900 in India. The newer AirPods Max 2 also carry a $549 starting price in the US, while it costs Rs 67,900 in India.

Final thoughts

The AirPods Max 2 builds on the foundation of the original model rather than redesigning it entirely. The improvements mainly focus on the internal hardware and audio processing capabilities. Features such as the H2 chip, stronger noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and lossless audio support represent the most notable upgrades.

For existing AirPods Max users, the decision to upgrade may depend on whether these newer audio features and connectivity improvements are important. For new buyers entering Apple’s premium headphone segment, the AirPods Max 2 represents the more advanced option while maintaining the familiar design and comfort of the original model.

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Apple just released a firmware update for AirPods Max, offering “bug fixes and other improvements”

Debasish — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:30:32 +0000

Apple has rolled out a new firmware update, version 6A324, for its AirPods Max headphones. It comes following the previous firmware version 6A300, which was released in September last year. While the tech giant has not provided detailed information about the new features accompanying the update, it is stated to include “bug fixes and other improvements.”

Firmware 6A324 includes some bug fixes and other improvements

Credit: Apple

Although specifics about the bug fixes and enhancements remain undisclosed, Apple users can expect an optimized audio experience and potentially improved connectivity and functionality. The update process typically occurs seamlessly when the device is powered on and connected to an iOS device or Mac, ensuring users can effortlessly enjoy the benefits of the latest enhancements.

The AirPods Max, touted by Apple as a comprehensively reimagined headset, boasts intricate designs for user comfort and sound isolation. From the ear pads to the headband, the device is crafted with precision to cater to various head shapes. The AirPods Max is available in five colors – space gray, pink, green, silver, and sky blue. Users also have the option to personalize their devices through engraving. The current price on Apple’s official website is 3,999 yuan (~$564)

If you’re curious about the firmware version installed on your AirPods Max, here’s a simple way to check that. By connecting the AirPods Max to an iOS device and navigating to the Settings app, users can follow the steps to check the firmware version under the “About” section.

New Apple AirPods Max – Silver

Apple may launch new AirPods Max in late 2024 with USB-C port, but no other major changes

Rajesh Regmi — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 07:59:15 +0000

Apple is reportedly planning to release a new version of its AirPods Max over-ear headphones in late 2024, with the main changes being new color options and a switch to USB-C port.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new AirPods Max will not feature the H2 chip or its attendant features like Adaptive Audio and Personalized Volume. In fact, Gurman says the next version of the AirPods Max may not even change the generation number, similar to the US B -C AirPods Pro.

The only major change is to USB-C interface, which is likely to comply with European regulations, which will require all smartphones and other portable devices to have a common charging port by 2024. It will also make the AirPods Max more consistent with other Apple products, which have already transitioned to USB-C.

Gurman adds that Apple’s plans could change between now and when the AirPods Max are released, but a late 2024 release date with USB-C charging and new color options is currently the most likely scenario.

Last week, Gurman also reported that all three AirPods models and Mac accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad are likely to transition to USB-C by 2024.

This is a positive development, as USB-C is a more versatile and widely adopted charging standard. It will also make it easier for Apple users to charge all of their devices with a single cable.

Related:

(Via)

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Apple releases new beta firmware for the AirPods lineup of wearable audio devices

Jeet — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 05:04:22 +0000

Apple has been regularly releasing new software updates and firmware versions for its portfolio of products. The company recently concluded its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), showcasing several new and upcoming features.

Now, the company has started rolling out a new beta firmware version for several AirPods models, including the Apple AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and the AirPods Max.

The new beta version for the AirPods lineup bring released by Apple carries version numbers from 5A5282d to 5A5304a. As of now, the new firmware is limited to developers and can be downloaded from the Apple developer website.

Also, to install this new beta firmware for the wearable audio products, the user needs to be running the Apple iPhone with the latest iOS 16 beta operating system or a Mac device with the macOS Ventura beta along with Xcode 14 beta for the supported AirPods.

Apple claims that this new beta firmware version includes improvements to the Automatic Switching as well as some bug fixes and stability improvements. Once the testing is completed, the software will be released to all the AirPods, which could be in fall this year.

Entire Apple AirPods lineup gets an official price hike in India

Pranav Sawant — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:54:42 +0000

Apple has officially increased the prices of all of its AirPods models in the market. The company has hiked the prices of AirPods Pro, AirPods 3rd Gen, AirPods 2nd Gen and even the AirPods Max. The prices have gone up by a minimum of Rs. 1,200 and the change is currently effective on Apple.com.

Starting with the Apple AirPods 2nd Gen, which is the cheapest AirPods available right now, costs Rs. 14,100. This is a Rs. 1,200 increase from the old price of Rs. 12,900. The AirPods 3rd Gen now cost Rs. 20,500 as compared to the old price of Rs. 18,500.

The AirPods Pro 3rd Gen, which was priced at Rs. 24,900 previously now costs Rs. 26,300. Lastly, the AirPods Max, which was priced at Rs. 59,900 is now available for Rs. 66,100. This is an increase of Rs. 6,200.

Interestingly, the price is changed only on the Apple.com website and not on other retail sites like Flipkart and Amazon. That said, those who were looking to buy any of these audio products from Apple should immediately head to Flipkart or Amazon and purchase them at the old price.

Here are the prices of Apple AirPods on different platforms as of writing this article.

	New Price on Apple.com	Price on Flipkart	Price on Amazon
Apple AirPods 2nd Gen	Rs. 14,100	Rs. 12,058	Rs. 12,799
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen	Rs. 20,500	17,990	Rs. 17,990
Apple AirPods Pro	Rs. 26,300	Rs. 21,900	Rs. 20,490
Apple AirPods Max	Rs. 66,100	Rs. 59,900	Rs. 59,900

Do note that since the prices have officially increased, we are expected to see the new prices even on Flipkart and Amazon in the coming days.

Apple AirPods Max 2 could have touch controls instead of digital crown

Jeet — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:34:40 +0000

Apple launched the AirPods Max, its wireless headphones with a sturdy metal build and support for active noise cancellation feature. Now, the Cupertino-based technology giant is expected to launch its successor this year.

There have been some reports about the improvements that we could expect in the upcoming AirPods Max 2 headphones and now a new patent filed by the company hints at the introduction of touch controls.

Apple has filed for a new patent (via Patently Apple) titled “Wireless Headphone Interaction” that would replace the digital crown with a touch-sensitive surface. Currently, Apple is using a digital crown for audio controls on the AirPods Max.

Earlier, the technology giant was granted a patent related to smart fabrics with touch controls for over-the-ear headphones. There have been two more patents from the brand for providing users with touch gesture input on the outside of the ear cups.

Connecting the dots, it appears that the company is now working on offering touch-based controls for the upcoming AirPods Max 2 headphones by replacing the digital crown. Do note that this hasn’t been confirmed and even Apple gets the patent, there’s no guarantee that it ends up using this technology for the upcoming headphones.

Apple is also likely to launch the AirPods Pro 2 true wireless earphones in the coming months. If the reports are to be believed, then there will be a revamped design and a new chip replacing the H1, resulting in improved battery life. It is also expected to have seamless switching between connected devices. They are also rumored to have built-in sensors for fitness tracking features.

Gucci unveils AirPods Max case priced at $980

Sudhanshu — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:00:16 +0000

Back in 2020, Apple released the AirPods Max headphones, which are the first wireless headphones released by Apple. The headphones offer excellent sound quality, however, customers have had mixed opinions about its Smart Case. Now, Gucci has made a case for the AirPods Max which will cost you $980.

According to a 9to5Mac report, the Gucci AirPods Max case comes as part of the Ophidia line of bags which debuted back in 2018. The Gucci case mixes vintage and contemporary design aspects and is made out of GG Supreme canvas (cotton canvas), which is completely recyclable.

It is lined with Neoprene and viscose and has brown leather details. The Ophidia case has a golden tone for its GG logo and the ribbits on the handbag, and even an adjustable shoulder strap so you can carry your AirPods Max as if they were a small luxury handbag.

The Italian luxury brand describes the Ophidia AirPods Max case as “Lifestyle objects view the everyday through the Gucci lens. This case for AirPods Max brings vintage and contemporary together through its archive-inspired design elements. Playing with the contrast between past and present, the inside of the accessory is printed with ‘Hodiernum’—a Latin word that means ‘belonging to the present day.’ An adjustable shoulder strap adds a versatile note with multiple ways to wear.”

It is worth noting that at $980 the Gucci Ophidia AirPods Max case is considerably more expensive than the headphones themselves which retail at around $549. But considering that it’s a Gucci product, the case becomes more of a status symbol than just a case designed to fulfill a functionality.

Speaking of functionality, it is still unclear if the Ophidia case houses magnets inside like the Apple Smart Case. The magnets are used to put the AirPods Max in sleep mode so that the battery is not drained when the headphones are not in use.

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Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods Max firmware update brings support for Find My

Jeet — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 03:45:36 +0000

Apple has rolled out a new firmware update for the AirPods Pro as well as the AirPods Max which brings the support for finding the products if you misplace them, using the brand’s own Find My application.

The feature was teased by Apple in June at WWDC and was set to be introduced along with the iOS 15. While the feature didn’t show up with the iOS 15, thankfully, the company didn’t take much longer after the delay.

With this new firmware update, the compatible AirPods models get functionality inside of the Find My app, including precise location, a new Nearby Finding UI, Lost Mode, and the ability to get notifications when the earbuds are left behind.

There’s also an AirTag-like Find Nearby interface but given that the products don’t come with the U1 chips installed, the feature isn’t quite as precise as with an AirTag. You won’t be getting arrows pointing towards them, but the onscreen prompts will show statuses like far, near, or “here” depending on how close you are.

Before you take advantage of the new feature, you will need to update your AirPods to the just-released firmware. This isn’t a straightforward process as you need to place the charged AirPods in the case and then place it near a connected phone.

To check the firmware version of your AirPods, go to the Settings on your iPhone/iPad and then navigate to General > About. There, choose AirPods and you will see a field labeled “firmware version.” The new firmware version with Find My support is 4A400.

The addition of AirPods Pro and AirPods Max in the Find My network means that they will now send out a continuous Bluetooth beacon message. When other Apple devices are in the area, they can detect this signal and report it to the Find My network, placing its location on the owner’s map.

This Apple AirPods Max Clone looks like the Original despite selling for just $10

Balaji S — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:26:22 +0000

Clones of Apple products are common in every part of the world and China is a place where we would find products that are so close to the original ones, at least in appearance. In fact, we recently saw a clone of the upcoming AirPods 3 as well. Amidst such craze for Apple products, we have managed to get a clone version of the Apple AirPods Max selling at as low as $10. So, let’s take a look and see how well it tries to replicate the original version.

Right off the bat, this clone of the Apple AirPods Max comes in a box with an image of the headphones in the Grey version. The model is mentioned as P9 and it is ‘Made in China’. Opening it up, and we see a design that is very close to the AirPods Max. In case you don’t know, Apple launched its first-ever over-the-ear wireless headphones back in December.

Apple’s AirPods Max is officially selling for 4,399 yuan in China and $549 in the USA. However, you can get this clone version for as low as 65 yuan (around $10) in China. Talking about the design, we managed to get hold of these cheap knock-offs in Grey and Blue colors.

Taking a closer look at the body, we immediately find that it is built entirely on plastic but it has a silver finish to the handles to make it look like stainless steel. This is a no-brainer considering you are getting a knock-off for such a lower price.

Further, the ear cup cushions and the headrest aren’t knit mesh like the original version but they are typical soft pads.

1 of 2

There are four buttons on the side for media controls. It’s also worth noting that it doesn’t have a Digital crown like the original AirPods Max.

We do see features like 50mm HiFi Dynamic driver coil, high-fidelity Audio, SBC, and AAC audio codec support written on the box, but honestly, don’t expect much in terms of audio quality or connectivity.

If you want to specifically know about its audio quality, we can say that it obviously isn’t good. It’s okay for the price though but for a product that’s compared to the original AirPods Max in terms of audio quality., it’s in no way comparable. After all, it’s just a clone version and sells for just around $10.

To sum up, the clone version of the AirPods Max definitely impresses us in terms of looks. But we would have liked to see that beautiful digital crown on the top of the earcup.

What do you think about this clone version? What are other interesting Apple clones that you have come across? Do let us know in the comments below.

Apple AirPods Max teardown by iFixit shows impressive build and possibility of repair

Jeet — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:05:57 +0000

Apple recently launched the AirPods Max headphones in the market, expanding the portfolio of its audio offerings under the popular AirPods lineup. Now, weeks after the device getting launched, iFixit has completed its teardown.

In the teardown overview report, iFixit discovered some interesting details. However, the most surprising thing is the repairability score of six out of ten. This is the only AirPods product has doesn’t have a repairability score of zero.

So, why is that? The report reveals that a lot of internal components in the AirPods Max are held together through screws instead of glue, making it easier to swap them out. Also, the ear cushions are attached through magnetics. So, after wear-and-tear, if you want to replace them, that can be done quite easily.

Another thing that impressed the team of iFixit is the headband hinge mechanism which connects the band and the ear cups. It can be detached with just a SIM card removal tool without the need to open the ear cup.

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However, not everything is easy and straightforward, as you expect from Apple. Although several components are tied up with screws, there are many different types involved. So, you need to be equipped with several screwdriver heads if you want to open it.

Also, for opening the AirPods Max, you will have to deal with adhesives which isn’t an easy job for everyone and pose a risk of breaking things down when attempting to do so. However, it notes that compared to popular offerings in this space — Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose NC 700, the AirPods Max from Apple fares well.

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Apple reportedly working on a cheaper AirPods Max with plastic design

Jeet — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 06:26:52 +0000

Expanding the portfolio of products under the AirPods lineup, Apple recently launched its AirPods Max headphones. It is also the most expensive product in the lineup, priced at $549, positioning it as a premium offering.

However, it now seems that the company has a cheaper variant of the same on its way. Reports have indicated that Apple could be launching a less-expensive ‘Sport’ edition of the AirPods Max and there will be few changes to make it cheaper.

Apple AirPods Max

As per the latest information coming from LeaksApplePro, the upcoming cheaper model of the Apple AirPods Max headphones could be priced around $350. With such pricing, it will be competing against the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.

To make the headphones cheaper, the company has planned to make some changes. It has reportedly opted to go with a plastic build instead of machine-textured anodized aluminum ear cups and stainless steel headband.

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If the company opts for a good quality of plastic, the experience could be a premium one. Opting for plastic could be a good thing as the headphones will be lighter in weight, something that many users have criticized Apple for the current model of AirPods Max.

In terms of features, we expect Apple to retain some of the highlighting features of the recently launched headphones, including Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, and Transparency Mode, and 20-hour battery life. However, we advise you to take all this information related to the cheaper AirPods Max with a pinch of salt.

Meanwhile, Apple is all set to launch its next-generation AirPods true wireless earphones in the market in the coming months. The company is also expected to launch a couple of new products this year, including an AR device and AirTags, among others.

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Apple releases support document showcasing the AirPods Max low power mode

Jed John Ikoba — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 13:49:24 +0000

Apple has just updated the support page that outlines the key performance metrics including charging and battery-related aspects of the just-released AirPods Max. The support document provides insights into how wireless headphones behave when it is not in active use.

The support page specifies that when the headphones are in an idle position for 5 minutes, in order to substantially conserve battery energy, the low power mode is automatically activated. The low power mode ensures that some battery-draining activities are scaled down to reflect the idleness. The next milestone is achieved after the headphones have been without any activity for 72 hours (three days).

At this instant, they go into an even lower power mode that turns off Bluetooth and several power-draining activities.

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When using the supplied case of the AirPods Max wireless headphones, the device will instantly switch to the low power mode. The ultra low power mode is activated after 18 hours of using the case. When the ultra-low mode is active, then Bluetooth and Find My feature is turned off in this very low power mode.

The tech giant specifically used the word ultra-low to denote the lowest power saving option while using the case but it is yet to be seen how this so-called ultra-low power mode differs from the lowest power mode when not using the case.

As could be seen in other wireless headphones without these new power mode functionalities, the major difference is that while those AirPods come fitted with a power button to switch off power when not in use, the AirPods Max does not have one, but uses a different technology that has incorporated a sort of smart and energy-conserving behavior into the workings of the device.

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Apple AirPods Max misses certain rumored features, no word on a $350 ‘Sport’ model

Sean — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 08:22:55 +0000

The Apple AirPods Max just launched earlier this week, after months of leaks and rumors. It had been known that the company has been working on a new hearable product for a while now, but its official launch arrives with certain features missing that were previously rumored.

Breathable Knit Mesh Canopy

Earlier this year, it was believed that the AirPods Max were originally rumored to be called AirPods Studio. Although, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Apple faced various several challenges in development, which might have led to the multiple delays and even scaling back of functionality or features, as per a MacRumors report. Later on, there were reports in September that stated that the launch was imminent with production originally planned for mid 2020, but got delayed over development issues.

It was previously believed that the AirPods Max could offer unique customization, with interchangeable headbands and ear cups, resembling the concept behind the Apple Watch bands. However, Apple reportedly had to drop the idea to speed up the already behind production. Similarly, it was also rumored that the AirPods Max would feature touch controls through the pads on the side. But this was also dropped, as the Cupertino based giant ships the new headphones with a digital crown from the Apple Watch for user controls.

Digital crown, Noise cancellation button

Another rumor which has yet to receive any clarification was the launch of a more affordable ‘Sport’ variant of the AirPods Max. This model would arrive with a 350 US Dollar price tag and would launch alongside its expensive sibling. Unfortunately, there is no word on this version of the AirPods Max at the moment. It is possible that Apple might revisit these features in the future for the second iteration of the over the ear headphones, and may even launch a Sport version sometime in the near future. So stay tuned for more updates.

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