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AirPods Max 2's Digital Crown Has a Useful New Feature

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While the new AirPods Max 2 have the same overall design as the previous AirPods Max, the Digital Crown has received a small but useful upgrade.

anc_airpod_max_close_up_feature.jpg

On the AirPods Max 2, a new Camera Remote feature allows you to press the Digital Crown 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.

Apple says this feature requires AirPods Max 2 that are running the latest firmware and paired with iPhone and iPad models running iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 or later. Those software versions are still in beta testing, but they will be released in time for the AirPods Max 2 launch in early April, barring any unforeseen delays.

Here are all of the Digital Crown controls on AirPods Max 2:
  • Turn for volume control
  • Press once to play or pause media
  • Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute
  • Press once for camera remote
  • Press twice to end a call
  • Press twice to skip forward
  • Press three times to skip back
  • Press and hold for Siri
Other upgrades compared to the previous generation include the H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. In addition, AirPods Max 2 support a shorter "Siri" command alongside the longer "Hey Siri."

Read the rest of our AirPods Max 2 coverage to learn more:AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app starting Wednesday, March 25, with U.S. pricing set at $549. Apple says the headphones will launch in early April, but it has yet to provide a specific release date.

Article Link: AirPods Max 2's Digital Crown Has a Useful New Feature
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/16/airpods-max-2-new-digital-crown-feature/
Last edited:
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Two of my AirPods max died due to water condensation inside. In my country, Apple doesn't offer AppleCare. The damage occurred after the warranty expired, and the cost of a post-warranty repair was close to buying a new one. So I ignored it and threw them away. I'll never buy this junk again. There are tons of reports online about this problem, and the greedy company never responded to the problem and ignored users.
 
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So... do we know anything about those ear pads?
Is Apple using the same material as on the previous version?
Because I remember the one thing that really messed up my experience the last time was that the pads gave me an allergic reaction (something I've never experienced before or since), making me return the headset. I remember being disappointed, as – apart from that problem – I liked them a lot.
 
switz said:
Still no "OFF" button to stop the power drain. The "off" button is that darn case that looks like a bra hanging on the clothes line.
Click to expand...
They updated them years ago to go into low power mode when they've been sitting stationary for 5 minutes, even if they're outside of the case. AFAIK, even putting them in the case doesn't actually turn them off but just puts them in an ultra low power mode where they turn off Bluetooth.
 
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the fact that they waited this insanely long for this update is kind of infuriating. how long will it take for them to get a proper redesign and H3 now? another 5 years?
 
Mity said:
Which button powers it on/off? That's probably the most useful feature along with lighter weight that most people are looking for but don't have.
Click to expand...

switz said:
Still no "OFF" button to stop the power drain. The "off" button is that darn case that looks like a bra hanging on the clothes line.
Click to expand...

joshwithachance said:
There’s absolutely no reason this couldn’t be applied to the APM1s or USB-Cs via software as well.

And why not give us the option to press and hold to turn OFF the headphones?
Click to expand...

Agreed agree and agreed. Reason being? A thing called greed lol

Really I think Apple (Tim Apple?) is trying to do extra Bluetooth wireless everything (definitely not a fan personally) and so airpod max Bluetooth is everything and wireless etc. but more so keeping that battery going is to (if even ever so slightly) push ppl towards battery replacements/upgrades etc etc smh

ralph_sws said:
Two of my AirPods max died due to water condensation inside. In my country, Apple doesn't offer AppleCare. The damage occurred after the warranty expired, and the cost of a post-warranty repair was close to buying a new one. So I ignored it and threw them away. I'll never buy this junk again. There are tons of reports online about this problem, and the greedy company never responded to the problem and ignored users.
Click to expand...


What country IYDMMA (if you don’t mind my askin)

That sucks bro/bro-ette, sorry to hear that. You shouldn’t have to deal with this. Like if you night directly off Apple website it should be universal rules for everyone. Perfect world right??…rough, could you have gotten coverage via some local insurance deal maybe?

It’s possible you just got a bad pair (it happens) and that’s all…


Astuces iOS said:
Useful? it cannot even scroll on my devices !
Click to expand...

That’s a brilliant idea submit it to them.

My only suggestion is a Liquid Glass type AirPods Max color way! See through to the components etc. haha Liquid Glass baby! The only way!!!!!
 
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How about a headphone jack for lossless support?

How about just making the thing damn lighter so I don't have to get a headache after an hour?

Knowing Apple, they'd put the power button under something like the speakers.
 
MacRumors said:


While the new AirPods Max 2 have the same overall design as the previous AirPods Max, the Digital Crown has received a small but useful upgrade.

anc_airpod_max_close_up_feature.jpg

On the AirPods Max 2, a new Camera Remote feature allows you to press the Digital Crown 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.

Apple says this feature requires AirPods Max 2 that are running the latest firmware and paired with iPhone and iPad models running iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 or later. Those software versions are still in beta testing, but they will be released in time for the AirPods Max 2 launch in early April, barring any unforeseen delays.

Here are all of the Digital Crown controls on AirPods Max 2:
  • Turn for volume control
  • Press once to play or pause media
  • Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute
  • Press once for camera remote
  • Press twice to end a call
  • Press twice to skip forward
  • Press three times to skip back
  • Press and hold for Siri
Other upgrades compared to the previous generation include the H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. In addition, AirPods Max 2 support a shorter "Siri" command alongside the longer "Hey Siri."

Read the rest of our AirPods Max 2 coverage to learn more:
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app starting Wednesday, March 25, with U.S. pricing set at $549. Apple says the headphones will launch in early April, but it has yet to provide a specific release date.

Article Link: AirPods Max 2's Digital Crown Has a Useful New Feature
Click to expand...
My AM USB C can do all those in that list minus the new camera thing.
 
Mity said:
Which button powers it on/off? That's probably the most useful feature along with lighter weight that most people are looking for but don't have.
Click to expand...
The people looking for that have myriad other options available, already. Understanding that, Apple’s offering is for those very few that don’t want a on/off button or lighter weight.
 
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I have the first gen of these headphones, and there’s no way I’d ever buy another set. They are not comfortable, make your ears sweat, and don’t even sound that good considering how expensive they are. The only reason I got them was because my wife was desperately trying to find me something for Christmas.
 
joshwithachance said:
There’s absolutely no reason this couldn’t be applied to the APM1s or USB-Cs via software as well.

And why not give us the option to press and hold to turn OFF the headphones?
Click to expand...
Came here to say this.

That totally sounds like a feature that requires new hardware. 🙄
 
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