AirPods Max 2 are currently just $399 on Amazon (down from $549), and new features coming in iOS 27 make it an especially great time to consider an upgrade.
iOS 27 adds to list of advantages AirPods Max 2 have over older models
Until this year, AirPods Max fans had plenty of reason to complain about Apple’s neglect of the product.
Originally launched in 2020, AirPods Max remained largely unchanged until 2024. And that four year wait only brought two updates: new colors and a USB-C charging port. Everything else about the new model remained the same.
But finally, earlier this year we got a proper AirPods Max 2 update.
The biggest upgrade with AirPods Max 2 is the H2 chip that unlocks a ton of additional features.
And in iOS 27, H2 will be even more important for two reasons:
Custom EQ
‘Siri’ trigger phrase
Custom EQ is a brand new AirPods feature in iOS 27. It lets you personalize the sound profile of your AirPods.
In the iOS 27 beta you can customize EQ by going to AirPods settings ⇾ Audio & Routing ⇾ Equalizer. There, you can build your own sound profile for low, mid, and high frequencies.
Custom EQ requires the H2 chip, so it’s available on AirPods Max 2 but not older AirPods Max models.
Additionally, AirPods Max 2 already let you use the short “Siri” trigger phrase to invoke Apple’s assistant. With older AirPods Max, you have to say the full “Hey Siri” phrase.
That might not make a huge difference right now. But with iOS 27’s new Siri AI, the ability to talk to Siri more quickly and seamlessly could become a bigger advantage.
If you’re like me, and Siri AI drastically increases your use of Siri across Apple devices, you’ll likely find the ability to just say “Siri” a much nicer experience.
These iOS 27 changes, combined with other AirPods Max 2 exclusive features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, and more, add up to an even more compelling upgrade.
AirPods Max 2 are now $399 on Amazon, down from $549.
Best AirPods deals and accessories
AirPods Pro 3 (now only $179, down from $249)
AirPods Max 2 (now only $399, down from $549)
Cleaning kit for AirPods
Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods
AirFly Pro 2 for connecting AirPods to standard headphone jacks
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.