Apple Launches New AirPods Max 2 with Upgrades, but Fans Are Divided
Just weeks after unveiling the new budget MacBook Neo, Apple has once again captured the attention of tech enthusiasts with the release of its latest over-ear headphones. The AirPods Max 2 brings several improvements, including enhanced Active Noise Cancellation, upgraded audio quality, and lossless streaming when connected via a USB-C cable. However, these upgrades come at a steep price, with the headphones costing £499 in the UK and $549 in the US.
This pricing has sparked significant backlash from consumers on social media. Many have expressed frustration over the high cost, with one user commenting: “AirPods Max being this expensive is ridic.” Another added: “Apple really testing our loyalty here.” Some fans also raised concerns about the lack of design changes and the absence of key upgrades, particularly the fact that the new model still weighs the same as its predecessor—386.2 grams.
“This is too heavy to wear and still too expensive for what they offer,” one skeptic tweeted. 
On X, dozens of users have criticized Apple’s pricing strategy. One commenter wrote: “LOL Apple and their innovative designs. And 549, damn that’s theft.” Another said: “550?! for that? Jeez. Y’all’s standards are low.” A third added: “Absolutely overpriced product, should be $299.”
Even fans who appreciated the new flagship headphones were put off by the high price. One user noted: “Everything is great, except for the price.”
Compared to other top-tier noise-cancelling headphones on the market, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are significantly more expensive. They are £100 pricier than Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and the Sennheiser HDB 630, which currently retail at £399.
Key Specifications of the AirPods Max 2
- Price: £499 in the UK ($549 in the US)
- Weight: 386.2 grams
- Colours: Starlight, orange, purple, and blue
- Battery Life: 20 hours listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
- Microphones: Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation, three microphones for voice pickup
- Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.3 wireless or USB-C wired connection
- Chip: Apple H2 headphone chip
- Key Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency Mode, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Adaptive EQ
Keen-eyed social media users also noticed an interesting price comparison with one of Apple’s own products. With an educational discount, Apple’s new MacBook Neo costs just £499 ($499 US), meaning students can get an entire laptop for the same price as the AirPods Max 2. One user commented: “For $50 less than a pair of headphones, you get an entire 13-inch laptop with an A18 Pro chip, Liquid Retina display, and macOS. The math isn’t mathing.” Another added: “When you realize a MacBook is cheaper than a pair of headphones.”
Design and Internal Upgrades
The AirPods Max 2 retain the same design and shape as the original model, with only internal upgrades. Importantly, the weight remains unchanged, which was a major point of criticism from some users. At 386.2 grams, the AirPods Max 2 are over 100 grams heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM6.
The headphones also keep the Smart Case, which many users found to be ineffective for protecting the headphones during travel. Despite this, the biggest upgrade is the inclusion of the new H2 chip, which enhances Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and introduces more voice features.
Apple claims that the ANC on the new AirPods Max 2 is 1.5 times more effective than on the previous model. The headphones also feature Adaptive Audio, which adjusts the level of ANC based on your surroundings, Conversation Awareness, which turns off ANC if people are talking to you, and Live Translation.
The company also states that the new model will deliver improved sound quality thanks to a new high dynamic range amplifier. Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing, said: “The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed — and when combined with capabilities like Personalised Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience.”
Availability and Final Thoughts
The AirPods Max 2 are available in four colors—starlight, orange, purple, and blue. Pre-orders open at midnight on March 25, with availability expected early next month. The Daily Mail contacted Apple for additional comment.
