What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2

[MacRumors]

The AirPods Max 2 feature the H2 chip, improved Active Noise Cancellation, and Adaptive Audio capabilities, but the design and much of the hardware remains unchanged.

Most notably, the overall industrial design is identical. AirPods Max 2 retain the same aluminum ear cups, stainless steel headband frame, telescoping arms, and knit mesh canopy introduced with the original model. The dimensions, weight, and overall construction appear to be unchanged, meaning the headphones look and feel the same as previous versions. The knit mesh canopy is also the same despite criticism over time that the fabric can stretch or lose tension with prolonged use.

The Smart Case has also not been updated and the device still uses the same case introduced in 2020, which covers the ear cups while leaving the headband exposed and places the headphones into an ultra-low-power state when stored inside.

The Smart Case drew criticism when AirPods Max first launched, with many reviewers pointing to its unusual appearance and the limited protection it offers compared to traditional headphone cases. Some users also reported that the material damaged easily and creased over time.

Because AirPods Max lack a dedicated power button, placing the headphones in the Smart Case is effectively the only reliable way to force them into their lowest-power standby mode. Without the case, the headphones can remain active for extended periods. Despite these criticisms, Apple has not redesigned or replaced the Smart Case.

The acoustic hardware also appears to be essentially the same across generations. The AirPods Max 2 continue to use Apple's custom 40mm dynamic drivers and the same basic acoustic architecture introduced with the original model. However, they add a new custom high dynamic range amplifier and updated digital signal processing, meaning sound improvements are likely driven more by amplification and processing changes than by redesigned drivers.

Color options have also remained consistent across the last two versions of the headphones. The 2024 USB-C refresh introduced Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange, and those same finishes carry over to the AirPods Max 2. These replaced the original lineup of Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green.

Battery life is also unchanged. AirPods Max continue to offer around 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio enabled, matching Apple's original estimate.

Article Link: What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Everything apart from the colour ! 🎉

 

[DMG35]

Its literally the exact same with a new chip. That's all that needs to be said. 6 years of this same design is not only lazy but stupid.

 

[turbineseaplane]

What hasn't changed?

"Enough"

 

[tonmischa]

AirPods Max 2 retain the same aluminum ear cups

So there is still condensation build-up after several hours of use?
"Condensation Death"

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Surprised we didn't get Airpods Max Neo -- 8-bit lossy audio, Lightning connection, BT 3.0 and in "fun new colors" for $299. 🙂

 

[switz]

Ordered the first generation on day one. No easy way to travel with it so it is in a drawer somewhere.

Continue to use the Bose top model as its has great sound and noise cancellation and makes into a travel friendly package.

 

[tyranne201]

my 1st gen AirPods Max is in the drawer

 

[Alfonson]

Surprised we didn't get Airpods Max Neo -- 8-bit lossy audio, Lightning connection, BT 3.0 and in "fun new colors" for $299. 🙂

You had that one in the holster for a week at least, didn’t you? 🥱

 

[turbineseaplane]

Ordered the first generation on day one. No easy way to travel with it so it is in a drawer somewhere.

Continue to use the Bose top model as its has great sound and noise cancellation and makes into a travel friendly package.

Same .. I daily/alternate a set of Bose cans and Bose earbuds.

They work well enough with my Apple gear and the NC and designs are fantastic. Comfy, lightweight and great in ear feel on the Bose buds in particular. The twist to lock them in, without needing to be "plug types" is so much more comfortable for me for long term wear on a bud.

 

[JeziLondon]

I see in the UK they’re not available until April does that mean the stores carry on selling the old ones?

 

[OwlBundy]

So there is still condensation build-up after several hours of use?
"Condensation Death"

All headphones do this but most headphones the ear cups aren’t (easily) removable so nobody notices and they don’t worry about it because it’s not an issue, even though you get tricked by click bait articles that says it is.

 

[HouseLannister]

The only thing they needed to do was change the design so it would fit in more laptop bags and such. It's just too big a case.

 

[pcd213]

A brick on your head, with a purse case. Wild, wild product.

 

[widget999]

My first generations mesh collapsed after about a year which make them extremely uncomfortable. I noticed the same with others and the once displayed in Apple stores. Hard pass until Apple fixes this Design issue.

 

[iObama]

So there is still condensation build-up after several hours of use?
"Condensation Death"

Yep, partner had to replace his OGs on AppleCare after two years. Another two years passed and... whaddaya know, the replacements stopped working.

No thank you.

 

[HiVolt]

Strange to see that they updated the chip and NOTHING else after 6 years. Surely they heard enough constructive criticism of the design and controls and said, nah, you people are all nuts.

Anyway, I never bought the original and will not buy the update. Just not for me.

 

[koelsh]

So despite 6 years of the problem staring them in the face they refuse to integrate a power button in to the headphones themselves and instead require users to keep track of a separate power bra...

I still have to regularly do the bra-on, bra-off, bra-on, bra-off dance to get them to power on and connect. That and no USB audio are my two biggest gripes with the AirPods Max.

 

[Blackstick]

Cannot stand the colors on these. Other than the black ones, they're pastel and boring.

 

[AkzsytNats]

Yep, partner had to replace his OGs on AppleCare after two years. Another two years passed and... whaddaya know, the replacements stopped working.

No thank you.

Honestly, I have only heard like a 50/50 rate on people who really love the APMs. I debated between these and the Beats Studio Pros and I wound up with the Beats. Sound quality was similar enough and the Beats actually have lasted way longer and turn off! I've heard several others that have had disappointing experiences with the APM's. Seems like they are either loved or loathed.

 

[AkzsytNats]

Cannot stand the colors on these. Other than the black ones, they're pastel and boring.

They really are an underwhelming/overpriced product.

 

[Kevtech1]

Ordered the first generation on day one. No easy way to travel with it so it is in a drawer somewhere.

Continue to use the Bose top model as its has great sound and noise cancellation and makes into a travel friendly package.

Did the same but returned mine within the 2 week return period…Hard pass on anything Bose, went with the Sony 1000X!

 

[Crickster]

Would have liked a weight reduction.

 

[joloriquelme]

No wireless lossless audio, despite having Bluetooth 6 on many devices.

No, thanks.

 

[tonmischa]

All headphones do this but most headphones the ear cups aren’t (easily) removable so nobody notices and they don’t worry about it because it’s not an issue, even though you get tricked by click bait articles that says it is.

Nonsense.
Most other headphones are made of plastic (Bose/Sony).
Airpod Max's aluminium is an excellent thermal conductor, therefore highly prone to condensation. Plastic on the other hand, acts as insulator, therefore does not "sweat".

I used Bose and Sony for several years and never had condensation.
I have the AirPods Max now and I have to wipe them dry every two hours.