# Apple launches AirPods Max 2 at $549 with live translation

_Monday, March 16, 2026 at 1:02 PM EDT · Tech & Business · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Apple launches AirPods Max 2 at $549 with live translation — Primary](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Apple-AirPods-Max-2-color-lineup_big.jpg.large_2x.jpg?resize=1200,676)

Apple launched AirPods Max 2 at $549, featuring the H2 chip, 1.5x improved active noise cancellation, and real-time language translation, TechCrunch reported.

The update is the first revision to Apple's over-ear headphones since the original 2020 launch. The H2 chip enables computational audio features including adaptive transparency and personalized spatial audio.

The live translation feature works with Apple's on-device language models and supports conversations in over 20 languages.

## Sources

- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/16/apple-quietly-launches-airpods-max-2/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/Xx2NJhLQJqQVPtk0mDT7CA
Retrieved: 2026-05-10T02:27:14.651Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)