While the AirPods Max were just updated with an H2 chip, the over-ear headphones could receive another update next year, if a previous rumor is still accurate.
In May 2025, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that he expected lighter-weight AirPods Max to enter mass production in 2027. However, following the AirPods Max 2 announcement this week, it is unclear if Apple's plans have changed.
All versions of the AirPods Max ever released weigh 0.85 pounds, excluding the charging case, according to Apple. That includes the original AirPods Max with a Lightning port from December 2020, the AirPods Max with a USB-C port from September 2024, and the AirPods Max 2. By comparison, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra headphones weigh around 0.57 pounds, and Sony's XM5 headphones weigh 0.56 pounds.
- AirPods Max (all): 0.85 pounds
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: 0.57 pounds
- Sony WH-1000XM5: 0.56 pounds
With the H2 chip, the AirPods Max 2 gained several features, including Adaptive Audio, Personalized Volume, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. Plus, the AirPods Max 2 have up to 1.5× better active noise cancellation and improved sound quality compared to the previous generation.
Apple has stuck with the same AirPods Max design since 2020, so customers hoping for a new look and feel might want to wait for the lighter-weight AirPods Max. As we mentioned, though, there is no guarantee that this rumor is accurate anymore.
AirPods Max 2 pre-orders begin Wednesday, March 25 in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries, and the headphones will launch in stores and begin arriving to customers in early April. Apple has yet to provide a specific release date.
