AirPods Max 2 are the new over-ear headphones from Apple with the H2 chip, offering 1.5x better active noise cancellation than the previous generation. The price in Poland is 2499 zł, pre-orders start on March 25, 2026, and deliveries will begin in early April.
Four years of waiting and the same price — sounds like good news. But has Apple changed enough to justify replacing the old Max? We check what exactly you get for that 2499 zł.
Technical specifications of AirPods Max 2
| Parameter | AirPods Max (1st gen) | AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H1 | Apple H2 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| ANC | Standard | 1.5x better |
| Lossless audio | — | 24-bit / 48 kHz (USB-C) |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Enhanced |
| Adaptive Audio | — | ✅ |
| Conversation detection | — | ✅ |
| Voice isolation | — | ✅ |
| Live translation | — | ✅ |
| Personalized volume | — | ✅ |
| Battery life | up to 20 h | up to 20 h |
| Connection | Lightning / USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | 384.8 g | 386.2 g |
| Colors | 5 | 5 (new palette) |
| Price in Poland | 2499 zł (USB-C) | 2499 zł |
H2 Chip — the heart of the new AirPods Max 2
The biggest change is hidden under the aluminum casing. The new Apple AirPods Max use the H2 chip (the same one that debuted in AirPods Pro 2), and the improvements concern three key areas:
- Better noise cancellation — new computational algorithms analyze the surrounding sound up to 48,000 times per second, resulting in 1.5x more effective ANC than in the first generation
- Lower wireless latency — Bluetooth 5.3 reduces audio lag, which gamers and movie lovers will appreciate
- Lossless audio support — via USB-C cable, you can listen to music in 24-bit / 48 kHz quality (Apple Lossless)
The H2 chip also supports personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking — the effect is closest to what you know from the cinema. The result? On paper, it’s the same amplifier with a wide dynamic range, but in practice, the bass sounds fuller, and individual instruments are easier to extract from the mix. The difference is most noticeable in orchestral music and well-produced recordings on Apple Music — with a pop playlist, you might not notice it.
You can find the full range of Apple over-ear headphones at homescreen.pl.
New smart features
The new Apple AirPods Max take on features known from AirPods Pro 3, which were previously unavailable in the over-ear version.
Adaptive Audio is a feature that makes you stop thinking about headphone modes. Are you entering a café? The headphones automatically let in the voices around you. Are you getting on a train? ANC kicks in at full power. Conversation Awareness works similarly — when you start speaking, the music fades out, and the voice of your conversation partner is amplified. You don’t have to take off your headphones to order a coffee.
Voice Isolation does the same thing, but in the opposite direction — during a phone call, your conversation partner hears only you, even if you are calling from a busy street. All three features work without any configuration.
Live Translation requires an iPhone with iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence — so for now, it only works on iPhone 16 and newer. The headphones translate the conversation in real time, displaying subtitles on the phone screen. It sounds futuristic, but in practice, it’s more of a help for simple conversations than a substitute for a translator. A dozen languages are supported, including Polish.
Personalized Volume learns your preferences and automatically adjusts the volume level to the environment — Marek, who commutes by subway to work every day and then sits in an open space, will appreciate this feature the most.
Price of AirPods Max 2 in Poland
Apple AirPods Max 2 cost in Poland 2499 zł — exactly the same as the USB-C version of the original AirPods Max. This is an amount that clearly positions them in the premium segment.
For comparison:
| Model | Price in Poland | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 4 | approx. 549 zł | In-ear, open |
| AirPods Pro 3 | approx. 1099 zł | In-ear, ANC |
| AirPods Max 2 | 2499 zł | Over-ear, ANC |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | approx. 1299 zł | Over-ear, ANC |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra | approx. 1699 zł | Over-ear, ANC |
2499 zł for wireless headphones is a lot — almost twice as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5, which regularly compete neck and neck with the Max in blind sound tests. What are you paying extra for? Primarily for integration with the Apple ecosystem: automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac works so smoothly that after a week you’ll forget you ever manually changed devices. Features like live translation are an additional argument, but — let’s be honest — for most users, it’s a curiosity, not a reason to buy.
Design and materials — what has changed?
Short answer: almost nothing. If you placed AirPods Max 1 vs 2 side by side, the only visible difference would be the color. Apple did not change the shape, weight (386 g — they are still among the heaviest popular over-ear headphones), or construction:
- Aluminum ear cups with independent rotation provide a perfect fit
- Mesh headband evenly distributes pressure on the top of the head
- Memory foam ear cushions — comfortable even during long hours of wear
- Digital Crown is used to adjust volume and control playback
- Listening mode button — a new element replacing the noise control button
However, the color palette is new. Instead of Space Gray, Silver, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green, we get: Midnight, Moonlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange. The orange variant is particularly bold, standing out against Apple’s typically muted offerings.
AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max — is the upgrade worth it?
If you have the original AirPods Max with the H1 chip, upgrading to the second generation makes sense in three cases:
- You care about better ANC — 1.5x more effective noise cancellation is a noticeable difference, especially in public transport and open spaces
- You want Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness — smart features that automate mode switching are a real convenience in everyday use
- You need live translation — if you travel or work in an international environment, Live Translation can be a game-changer
However, if your current AirPods Max are working flawlessly and you mainly listen to music at home — don’t replace them. The sound quality has improved, but not enough for you to notice a difference during everyday listening on Spotify. It’s better to wait for the third generation.
Advice: If you have AirPods Max with Lightning, the upgrade makes additional sense — you gain USB-C, which simplifies the cable setup and adds lossless audio.
For everyday charging, any USB-C charger will suffice — and you can find the full range of all AirPods models and headphones at homescreen.pl.
Ecology — Apple moves forward
Apple emphasizes sustainability in AirPods Max 2:
- 100% recycled rare earth metals in magnets
- 100% recycled polyester in ear cushions
- 100% recycled gold and tin in circuit boards
- Packaging made entirely from paper from natural fibers
This is a continuation of the Apple Carbon Neutral 2030 strategy, which encompasses more and more product categories. You can find the full specifications of AirPods Max 2 on the official Apple website.
Summary — who are the AirPods Max 2 for?
AirPods Max 2 is an evolution, not a revolution. Apple has put a new chip into an old case, and you get significantly better ANC, smart features from AirPods Pro 3, and lossless audio via USB-C. But you don’t get a new design, longer battery life, or a lower price. These are the best over-ear headphones from Apple that you can buy today.
Worth buying if:
– You use multiple Apple devices and value seamless integration
– You are looking for top-notch ANC for working in a noisy environment
– You want live translation features or Adaptive Audio
Consider alternatives if:
– You don’t need the Apple ecosystem — Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra offer comparable ANC at a lower price. Compare over-ear headphones with ANC at homescreen.pl
– You prefer in-ear — AirPods Pro 3 have the same H2 chip for less than half the price
Our choice: AirPods Max 2 in Northern color — classic, versatile, and you won’t get bored of it after a year.
In the store homescreen.pl, you will find cases tailored to various generations and models of AirPods – from classic models (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), through the newer AirPods 4, to models AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3. This way, you can easily choose a protective case perfectly suited to your headphones, regardless of which generation or variant you have.
Check all accessories for AirPods at homescreen.pl →
FAQ — frequently asked questions
When is the release of AirPods Max 2 in Poland?
Orders for the new headphones start on March 25, 2026, and the first deliveries in Poland will begin in early April 2026. They will be available in authorized Apple stores and through retail partners.
How much do AirPods Max 2 cost in Poland?
The price of the second generation in Poland is 2499 PLN — the same as the USB-C version of the previous model. In the USA, the price is 549 dollars.
What are the differences between AirPods Max 2 and the first generation?
The main differences are the H2 chip instead of H1, 1.5x better noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3, lossless audio via USB-C, and new features: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Detection, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. The design and battery (20 h) remain unchanged.
Do AirPods Max 2 have USB-C?
Yes, the second generation uses only the USB-C port for charging and wired listening to lossless music (24-bit / 48 kHz).
What colors are available for AirPods Max 2?
The new model is available in five colors: Midnight (black), Lunar Glow (gold), Blue, Purple, and Orange. This is a completely new palette compared to the first generation.
Is it worth buying AirPods Max 2 instead of Sony WH-1000XM5?
The second generation Apple Max headphones are a better choice for users of the Apple ecosystem due to automatic switching between devices and smart features. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers comparable ANC at a lower price (around 1299 PLN) and works better with Android devices.
Leave a Reply