AirPods Max 2 in Midnight (UK part MHWK4ZM/A, US part MHWK4AM/A) are Apple's over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, with an H2 chip in each ear cup and nine microphones. Apple lists Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ among their audio features. They connect over Bluetooth 5.3, and a wired USB-C connection adds Lossless and ultra-low-latency audio. Apple rates them at up to 20 hours with noise cancellation on.
Specifications checked 26 Sept 2026.
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THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE
Visual facts
Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.
How to read this comparison
Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
“Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
FEATURES SIDE BY SIDE4 topics
Yes and No describe the listed feature. Missing evidence stays unverified.
SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 04
Detachable cable
A detachable cable unplugs at the headphones. A fixed cable does not. Always check the model-specific connector before buying a replacement.
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightNot verified
Bluetooth 5.3; USB-C for charging and wired Lossless / ultra-low-latency audio. Manufacturer specification · No analogue input is listed on the specifications page; only the USB-C charge cable is in the box.
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightNot verified
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology; Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C. Manufacturer specification · Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. For the best performance, update to the latest software. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. Ultra-low latency audio and Lossless Audio listening requires a wired USB‑C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
Start with your listening environment. Open and closed earcups suit different surroundings. A closed back is not the same as active noise cancellation. Check the exact cable and headphone output. We do not turn impedance, driver size or unpaired lab results into a sound-quality score.
Manufacturer specification · Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. For the best performance, update to the latest software. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. Ultra-low latency audio and Lossless Audio listening requires a wired USB‑C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Battery life
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightUp to 20 hours of listening on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation on; 5 minutes of charging gives around 1.5 hours
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightBattery AirPods Max 2 (full charge) Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled 5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time. AirPods Max 2 with Smart Case Storage in the Smart Case preserves battery charge in ultra-low-power state Charging via USB-C
Sources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
Manufacturer specification · Each figure has its own Apple test: the 20-hour figure is from testing in January and February 2026 with pre-production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 17 Pro Max units; the 5-minute charge figure is from testing in March 2026 with pre-production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 15 Pro Max units. Both used pre-release software, volume at 50%, Active Noise Cancellation enabled and Spatial Audio set to fixed. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors.
Manufacturer specification · Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2026 using pre‑production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 17 Pro Max units, all with pre‑release software. The playlist consisted of 358 unique audio tracks purchased from the iTunes Store (256Kb/s AAC encoding). Volume was set to 50%, Active Noise Cancellation was enabled and Spatial Audio was set to fixed. Testing consisted of full AirPods Max battery discharge while playing audio until the AirPods Max stopped playback. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors. Testing conducted by Apple in March 2026 using pre-production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 15 Pro Max units, all with pre-release software. The playlist consisted of 358 unique audio tracks purchased from the iTunes Store (256Kb/s AAC encoding). Volume was set to 50%, Active Noise Cancellation was enabled and Spatial Audio was set to fixed. 5‑minute charge testing conducted with drained AirPods Max that were charged for 5 minutes, then audio playback was started until the AirPods Max stopped playback. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Listed audio technology
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightApple-designed dynamic driver; custom high dynamic range amplifier; Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio; Transparency mode; Conversation Awareness; Voice Isolation; Personalised Volume; Loud Sound Reduction; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; studio-quality audio recording; Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C; Live Translation
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightNot verified
Sources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
Manufacturer specification · Apple's footnotes tie several of these features to compatible Apple devices running the latest software; Lossless and ultra-low latency audio need a wired USB-C connection and compatible content.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Manufacturer audio features
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightNot verified
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightAudio Technology Apple-designed dynamic driver Custom high dynamic range amplifier Active Noise Cancellation Adaptive Audio Transparency mode Conversation Awareness Voice Isolation Personalised Volume Loud Sound Reduction Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking Adaptive EQ Studio-quality audio recording Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C
Sources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
No source recorded for this side.
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · Starlight
Manufacturer specification · Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. For the best performance, update to the latest software. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. Ultra-low latency audio and Lossless Audio listening requires a wired USB‑C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Controls
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightNot verified
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightControls Digital Crown Turn for volume control Press once to play or pause media Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute Press once for camera remote Press twice to end a call Press twice to skip forward Press three times to skip back Press and hold for Siri Listening mode button Press to switch between listening modes Siri Say just “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to do things like play a song, make a call or get directions Siri Interactions
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Manufacturer microphone configuration
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightNot verified
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightMicrophones Nine microphones total: Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation Three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone)
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Platform compatibility
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightFull feature set with current Apple devices; works as Bluetooth headphones with non-Apple devices with possibly limited functionality
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightNot verified
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Spatial audio
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightPersonalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightNot verified
Sources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
Manufacturer specification · Apple: compatible hardware and software required; works with compatible content in supported apps; not all content is available in Dolby Atmos.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Device and software requirements
Apple AirPods Max 2 · MidnightNot verified
Apple AirPods Max 2 · UK MHWL4ZM/A · StarlightSystem Requirements iPhone models with the latest version of iOS iPad models with the latest version of iPadOS Apple Watch models with the latest version of watchOS Mac models with the latest version of macOS Apple TV models with the latest version of tvOS Apple Vision Pro with the latest version of visionOS AirPods can be used as wireless Bluetooth headphones with Apple devices using earlier software and with non-Apple devices, but functionality may be limited.
Apple lists nine microphones in total, eight for noise cancellation and three for voice pickup, two of them shared. There is an Apple H2 chip in each ear cup.
Many features rely on Apple devices with current software. Apple notes that functionality may be limited on non-Apple devices, and no analogue input or cable is listed in the box.
Manufacturer specification · Headphones including cushions; the Smart Case adds 134.5 g. Apple notes that weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.
Manufacturer specification · The separate Smart Case is 134.5 g and is not included in this headphone mass. Cable-inclusion mass is not separately specified.
Manufacturer specification · Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. For the best performance, update to the latest software. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. Ultra-low latency audio and Lossless Audio listening requires a wired USB‑C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
Bluetooth 5.3; USB-C for charging and wired Lossless / ultra-low-latency audio
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology; Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency audio via USB-C
Battery lifeDifferentSources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
Manufacturer specification · Each figure has its own Apple test: the 20-hour figure is from testing in January and February 2026 with pre-production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 17 Pro Max units; the 5-minute charge figure is from testing in March 2026 with pre-production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 15 Pro Max units. Both used pre-release software, volume at 50%, Active Noise Cancellation enabled and Spatial Audio set to fixed. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors.
Manufacturer specification · Testing conducted by Apple in January and February 2026 using pre‑production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 17 Pro Max units, all with pre‑release software. The playlist consisted of 358 unique audio tracks purchased from the iTunes Store (256Kb/s AAC encoding). Volume was set to 50%, Active Noise Cancellation was enabled and Spatial Audio was set to fixed. Testing consisted of full AirPods Max battery discharge while playing audio until the AirPods Max stopped playback. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors. Testing conducted by Apple in March 2026 using pre-production AirPods Max 2 paired with production iPhone 15 Pro Max units, all with pre-release software. The playlist consisted of 358 unique audio tracks purchased from the iTunes Store (256Kb/s AAC encoding). Volume was set to 50%, Active Noise Cancellation was enabled and Spatial Audio was set to fixed. 5‑minute charge testing conducted with drained AirPods Max that were charged for 5 minutes, then audio playback was started until the AirPods Max stopped playback. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage and many other factors.
Up to 20 hours of listening on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation on; 5 minutes of charging gives around 1.5 hours
Battery AirPods Max 2 (full charge) Up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled 5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of listening time. AirPods Max 2 with Smart Case Storage in the Smart Case preserves battery charge in ultra-low-power state Charging via USB-C
System Requirements iPhone models with the latest version of iOS iPad models with the latest version of iPadOS Apple Watch models with the latest version of watchOS Mac models with the latest version of macOS Apple TV models with the latest version of tvOS Apple Vision Pro with the latest version of visionOS AirPods can be used as wireless Bluetooth headphones with Apple devices using earlier software and with non-Apple devices, but functionality may be limited.
Spatial audioSources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
Manufacturer specification · Apple: compatible hardware and software required; works with compatible content in supported apps; not all content is available in Dolby Atmos.
Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Not provided
Listed audio technologySources
Apple AirPods Max 2 · Midnight
Manufacturer specification · Apple's footnotes tie several of these features to compatible Apple devices running the latest software; Lossless and ultra-low latency audio need a wired USB-C connection and compatible content.
Manufacturer specification · Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. For the best performance, update to the latest software. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. Ultra-low latency audio and Lossless Audio listening requires a wired USB‑C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
Manufacturer specification · Microphones Nine microphones total: Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation Three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone)
Manufacturer specification · Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 or macOS 26.4 and later. For the best performance, update to the latest software. Available on AirPods Max 2 with the latest firmware when paired with compatible devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatible hardware and software required. Works with compatible content in supported apps. Not all content available in Dolby Atmos. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create a personal profile for Spatial Audio, which will sync across Apple devices running the latest operating system software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS and tvOS. Ultra-low latency audio and Lossless Audio listening requires a wired USB‑C connection and compatible content from supported apps and services.
Microphones Nine microphones total: Eight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation Three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone)
Controls Digital Crown Turn for volume control Press once to play or pause media Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute Press once for camera remote Press twice to end a call Press twice to skip forward Press three times to skip back Press and hold for Siri Listening mode button Press to switch between listening modes Siri Say just “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to do things like play a song, make a call or get directions Siri Interactions
Each record represents an explicitly checked model and configuration. Original import: 5 Sept 2026; this is not its verification date. This is not a list of current offers or a popularity ranking.
