AirPods Max 2 Arrives in India With H2 Chip and Adaptive Audio

Launch and Availability

AirPods Max 2 were launched on Monday as Apple's latest over‑ear headphones. The successor to AirPods Max arrives five years after the original model and two years after a refreshed version appeared. According to Apple, the updated model delivers improvements to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency mode, and overall audio performance, while retaining the premium design of its predecessor. It also gains enhanced computational audio capabilities and deeper integration with Apple's ecosystem.

The India price is set at Rs 67,900 and the headphones come in five colours — Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. Availability details indicate customers in the US and more than 30 other countries and regions will be able to order the AirPods Max 2 starting March 25 through Apple's official website and the Apple Store app. Apple says the product will begin arriving at customers\' homes and will be in retail stores early next month.

In addition to the hardware, Apple is offering optional services with the new headphones. Customers in the US can opt for AppleCare+ or AppleCare One, which covers accidental damage, theft and loss on eligible products, battery replacement, and 24/7 support from Apple experts. New subscribers also get three months of Apple Music for free with the purchase of the AirPods Max 2.

Features and Technical Specifications

The AirPods Max 2 are powered by Apple's H2 chip, replacing the H1 chip used in the previous model. The company claims the new headphones deliver up to one and a half times more effective ANC, helping block out environmental sounds such as airplane engines and city noise; the Transparency mode has been improved with new digital signal processing to make ambient sound more natural while keeping users aware of their surroundings. A new high-dynamic-range amplifier enhances the audio pipeline, delivering cleaner sound with improved bass response, more accurate mids, and clearer highs. The headphones support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio when connected via USB Type-C, along with ultra-low latency audio for gaming and professional workflows. Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking remains a key feature.

The company also outlined a series of intelligent features for the Max 2. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise-control levels based on surroundings, while Conversation Awareness lowers playback volume when the user starts speaking. Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, enables real-time language translation. Voice Isolation is claimed to improve call clarity by prioritising the user's voice.

For creators, Apple introduced studio-quality audio recording and a camera remote function that lets users take photos or control video recording using the Digital Crown. Other features include Loud Sound Reduction, Personalised Volume, and new Siri interactions that respond to head gestures.

Apple also says the Max 2 offers up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC and Spatial Audio enabled and supports fast charging. In keeping with environmental goals, Apple notes the use of 100 percent recycled rare-earth elements in magnets, 100 percent recycled polyester in ear cushions, and recycled gold and tin in circuit boards. The packaging is described as fully fibre-based and recyclable, aligning with Apple’s broader 2030 carbon neutrality goals.

Pricing, Subscriptions and Sustainability

The price in India is Rs 67,900, with color options Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. Availability in other markets includes the US and more than 30 countries and regions, with orders starting March 25 via Apple's official website and Apple Store app, and shipments to begin early next month in many regions.

AppleCare+ or AppleCare One are offered in the US, with coverage for accidental damage and other services. New subscribers receive three months of Apple Music free with the purchase of the AirPods Max 2.

• H2 chip replaces H1
• ANC up to 1.5x more effective
• Improved Transparency mode with new DSP
• High-dynamic-range amplifier for cleaner sound
• 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio via USB-C
• Ultra-low latency audio for gaming and pro workflows
• Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking
• Adaptive Audio automatically adjusting noise control
• Conversation Awareness lowers playback when speaking
• Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence
• Voice Isolation for clearer calls
• Studio-quality audio recording for creators
• Camera remote function using the Digital Crown
• Loud Sound Reduction and Personalised Volume
• Siri interactions with head gestures
• Up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC and Spatial Audio
• Fast charging support
• 100% recycled magnets, 100% recycled polyester ear cushions
• Recycled gold and tin in circuit boards
• Fully fibre-based, recyclable packaging