AirPods Max 2 Named Headphones of the Year 2026 Despite Clear Flaws

According to a TechRadar Product of the Year Awards 2026 announcement, the Apple AirPods Max 2 were selected as Headphones of the Year, despite facing criticism for retaining a design similar to the 2020 originals, lower battery life compared to competitors, and a lack of wireless high-resolution codecs. Reviewers noted that while some drawbacks exist, the headphones bring notable performance upgrades through the H2 chip released in March 2026.

Key Performance Upgrades

• H2 Chip Integration: Delivers punchier sound and significantly enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), reported to be 1.5 times more effective than previous models.
• Computational Audio Features: Includes Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Head Gesture control, and a Camera Remote feature, though some functions require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
• Comfort and Design: Features the familiar mesh headband design aimed at preventing head pressure during extended wear.

Practical Implications and Verification

Users should note that certain advanced features are ecosystem-dependent and require compatible Apple hardware. To verify official specifications, launch dates, and compatibility requirements, readers can consult Apple's official product announcements or TechRadar's review archives.