Apple has introduced AirPods Max 2, the second generation of its premium over-ear headphones, bringing improved Active Noise Cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and a suite of new intelligent features powered by the company’s H2 chip. The update builds on the original AirPods Max design while introducing deeper integration with Apple Intelligence and creative tools for content creators.

AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting March 25, with availability expected early next month. The headphones launch in five colors: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.

At the heart of AirPods Max 2 is Apple’s H2 chip, which powers new computational audio improvements. Apple says the new model delivers up to 1.5 times more effective Active Noise Cancellation compared with the previous generation, helping reduce environmental sounds such as airplane engines or commuter trains so users can fully focus on their music, calls, or work.

The company has also improved Transparency mode, allowing users to hear their surroundings more naturally when needed.

Sound quality has also been upgraded with a new high dynamic range amplifier designed to deliver cleaner audio while maintaining the signature sound profile of AirPods Max. Spatial Audio performance has also been refined, with improved localization of instruments, more consistent bass, and clearer mids and highs.

For high-fidelity listening, AirPods Max 2 now support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with the included USB-C cable. This also allows musicians and producers to use the headphones during professional workflows in applications such as Logic Pro.

Apple says the headphones enable creators to both create and mix Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, giving them an immersive audio environment during production.

AirPods Max 2 also introduces a number of intelligent features powered by the H2 chip. These include Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances noise cancellation and awareness of surroundings, Conversation Awareness that lowers audio when users begin speaking, Voice Isolation for clearer calls, and Live Translation when paired with compatible Apple devices.

The headphones also bring new tools for creators, including studio-quality audio recording capabilities designed for podcasters, musicians, and content creators. AirPods Max 2 also include a camera remote feature that allows users to trigger photos or videos from connected Apple devices.

Gamers may also benefit from reduced wireless audio latency. When used with Game Mode on iOS, macOS, or iPadOS, gameplay audio becomes more responsive and immersive.

Apple says the new AirPods Max also support its environmental goals under the Apple 2030 initiative. The headphones use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in magnets, recycled polyester in the ear cushions, and recycled gold plating and tin solder in Apple-designed circuit boards. Packaging is also fully fiber-based and recyclable.

AirPods Max 2 continue Apple’s push to combine premium audio quality with advanced computational features, positioning the headphones as a high-end option for music listeners, professionals, and creators within the Apple ecosystem.

Apple has unveiled a new generation of iPad Air powered by its M4 chip, bringing a significant jump in performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and faster connectivity while keeping the starting price unchanged. The updated iPad Air is positioned as a versatile upgrade for students, creatives, professionals, and gamers looking for more power without moving to the iPad Pro lineup.

The new iPad Air is available in two sizes, an 11 inch model starting at $599 and a 13 inch version priced from $799. Education pricing lowers those figures to $549 and $749 respectively. Preorders open on March 4, with availability beginning March 11.

At the heart of the upgrade is Apple’s M4 chip, which delivers up to 30 percent faster performance than the previous M3-powered iPad Air and up to 2.3 times the performance of the M1 model. The M4 features an 8 core CPU and a 9 core GPU, enabling smoother multitasking, faster photo and video editing, and more realistic graphics in games thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Apple says demanding creative workloads such as video editing in Final Cut Pro and photo compositing in Pixelmator Pro see noticeable gains.

The M4 also brings a major leap in on-device AI performance. The new iPad Air includes 50 percent more unified memory, now up to 12GB, alongside higher memory bandwidth and a faster 16 core Neural Engine. These upgrades allow AI-powered tasks such as transcription, image analysis, and generative features in third-party apps to run more quickly and efficiently, while keeping processing on the device.

Connectivity is another key improvement. For the first time, iPad Air includes Apple’s N1 wireless chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and improved performance for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. Cellular models also gain the new C1X modem, offering faster 5G speeds and improved power efficiency. Apple says this combination allows users to stay connected more reliably whether working remotely, traveling, or studying on campus.

The new iPad Air ships with iPadOS 26, which introduces a more advanced windowing system, expanded multitasking, and deeper Apple Intelligence features. These include improved support for AI-powered workflows across notes, creative apps, and productivity tools. The software update further blurs the line between tablet and laptop, especially when paired with accessories.

Apple continues to position accessories as central to the iPad Air experience. The device supports Apple Pencil USB C and Apple Pencil Pro, with advanced features such as squeeze gestures and barrel roll on the Pro model. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Air adds a built-in trackpad, a full function key row, and a floating design that turns the tablet into a more traditional productivity device.

Despite the performance gains, Apple says battery life remains all day, supported by the efficiency of the M4 chip and improved power management in iPadOS 26. The device also maintains Apple’s focus on sustainability, using recycled aluminum and cobalt, renewable energy in manufacturing, and fully fiber-based packaging.

With the new iPad Air, Apple is reinforcing its strategy of bringing pro-level performance to more accessible devices. By combining the M4 chip, faster connectivity, and advanced software features without raising prices, the company is making the iPad Air one of its most compelling upgrades in years.