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10 Audio Improvements in Apple's New AirPods Max 2

Happy_John said:
They're pretty good, but the main selling point is their integration with Apple devices, and the control system. The single button and crown/dial is s really nice, uncluttered set of controls. I hate "touch sensitive" controls on headphones.

That and the fact that they're NOT plastic. Otherwise, they're in Sony XM4 or XM6 territory, but with better transparency overall.

As over-ear headphones, the B & W are probably better, but the APM are handy because they're instantly recognised and enabled across all your Apple devices.
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The easy switchover between Apple devices is more useful for some people than others, but I value it greatly as I'm frequently switching between 3 devices at home. Tried to go with new Sonys a few months ago and the inconvenience was surprisingly annoying. Went back to APM.

I wouldn't change much on the APM as I really like the fit over the ears compared with other headphones, but I sure would have made them lighter and changed the mesh design. There are obvious improvements to be made there. Don't mind about the EQ at all, but seems like giving the option would improve sales.
 
Edd70 said:
The easy switchover between Apple devices is more useful for some people than others, but I value it greatly as I'm frequently switching between 3 devices at home. Tried to go with new Sonys a few months ago and the inconvenience was surprisingly annoying. Went back to APM.

I wouldn't change much on the APM as I really like the fit over the ears compared with other headphones, but I sure would have made them lighter and changed the mesh design. There are obvious improvements to be made there.
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It's why I keep grabbing my APM at home. They're very convenient, I've never had a situation that they didn't automatically flip over to the device the audio was coming from.

I don't mind the weight, but, as you already have a pair, it's worth buying a silicone cover for the top of the headband bars, and then adding some padding in-between the silicone cover and the mesh - it makes them a lot more comfortable.

They are obviously overpriced, but that's just the way. I got mine as a 50th birthday present for myself, so I'm OK with them being an unnecessary splurge ( mid-life crisis purchase, I couldn't afford a Ferrari😛 ).

EDIT: The lack of a proper EQ is annoying, and that's just Apple being Apple. The sound's already good, but I don't see why they can't let owners tweak to their preference, and it's not as if there aren't already a lot of settings options for the APM integrated into MacOs / iOS / iPadOS.
 

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Joe Bogger said:
Lossless is not about BT. It's about the codec. Those exist for a decade, but Apple is refusing to include them and sticking to AAC with a headphone that cost 550$. But hey, this headphone is not about sound, it's about being a status symbol.
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Your codec still has to operate within BT’s very limited bandwidth. That is not possible.
 
This is a parts purge move. No excuse for the exact same physical design other than emptying the parts bins. That said, they have always been fantastic headphones but undeniably much too heavy for long-term use.
 
MrRom92 said:
still can’t do lossless 🤡
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Since Apple introduced Lossless to the APM about a year ago via USBC cable, I have been enjoying lossless via a USBC cable connection on my APM and Apple Music. When I first tested, I was surprised to find I can hear notable differences with some lossless music /titles while other lossless songs not so much. Either way, APM and now APM2 can do lossless since March 2025 via a USBC cable connection.
 
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Madonepro said:
I have never used a pair of these, nor do I know anyone who has them. I have a pair of Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones (McLaren Special Edition), and are more expensive than the AirPod's Max (Special edition).

Are the APM's any good? How do they compare to the BOSE ANC gold standard headphones, etc.
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I owned the APMs twice, about a year apart. Having tried them, along with the Sony XM6, the Sonos Ace, and the Bose Quiet Comforts, can advise that I found my current headphones, the Bowers and Wilkins px8, S2s to be much better sonically. As others have stated, the APMs are tuned to the "v" curve just like the Homepods. They produce good bass and highs but I found them lacking in the midrange. They do, however, excel in noise canceling. If that's your primary need they, along with Bose, are strong contenders. If you want them primarily for audio quality and accuracy, then I strongly recommend the B&Ws. I also found the APMs uncomfortable after about 30 minutes due to clamping force, especially when wearing glasses.
 
I'm so relieved Apple's latest, highest end headphones finally have the 4 year old chip running them vs the 7 year old one. Literally all of those "new features" are directly tied to the H2 that has been in the Pros since 2022.

Apple doesn't give a **** about the Maxes, and it's truly such a shame...
 
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Zacarias5 said:
Since Apple introduced Lossless to the APM about a year ago via USBC cable, I have been enjoying lossless via a USBC cable connection on my APM and Apple Music. When I first tested, I was surprised to find I can hear notable differences with some lossless music /titles while other lossless songs not so much. Either way, APM and now APM2 can do lossless since March 2025 via a USBC cable connection.
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Headphones that can do lossless by cable hasn’t been novel in about… 70 years
 
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just checking, but these are the only headphones, Apple or otherwise, that will do Spatial Music over USB-C while using Logic or other music content creation apps? My guess is this might actually be a USP, and then for me the deal is sealed.

I've got a pair of APP2, but that's not lossless.
 
I hope that they can still add the hearing aid feature to the APM along with Media Assist. By the way, I own the original lightning APM, APP 2 and the Beats Studio Pro, they all have their different uses, but, by far, the APM has the superior sound of the three.
 
slippery-pete said:
Thanks for sharing. What should the update have looked like?
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Really? After 6 years you don't think this update is incredibly weak? Apple is just coasting now and doing the bare minimum when it comes to updating all their hardware.

But since you asked:

New Design
More premium ear cups
New Case
Lighter
Power Button
Different Colors

I think that about sums it up. Unless you think that Apple's created the absolute peak in headphone design and doesn't need to improve it. Which if you do think that then I couldn't disagree more.
 
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eifelbube said:
That does seem odd. Maybe because 6 does not bring a significant improvement for headphones? Maybe to hold it back as a reason to upgrade to the Max 3?
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I'm going to assume it's because the wireless communication standards are baked into the H2 chip. So we get 2022 wireless standards. Apple was not going to develop an H2.5 just to include a more recent standard it seems.

We'll need to wait to see the H3, with probably more modern and recent communication standards.
 
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SRQrws said:
I owned the APMs twice, about a year apart. Having tried them, along with the Sony XM6, the Sonos Ace, and the Bose Quiet Comforts, can advise that I found my current headphones, the Bowers and Wilkins px8, S2s to be much better sonically. As others have stated, the APMs are tuned to the "v" curve just like the Homepods. They produce good bass and highs but I found them lacking in the midrange. They do, however, excel in noise canceling. If that's your primary need they, along with Bose, are strong contenders. If you want them primarily for audio quality and accuracy, then I strongly recommend the B&Ws. I also found the APMs uncomfortable after about 30 minutes due to clamping force, especially when wearing glasses.
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I own a pair of B&W S7’s, as mentioned in post.
I have no interest in buying APM’s, was just interested in how they line up, alongside those in their elevated price point.
 
Will be interesting to see the design changes once the EU regulation is in place to have removable batteries in every product.
 
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