Apple AirPods Max 2 / Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Apple AirPods Max 2: A3454 · USB-C

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: GA12449-series in-ear earbuds; Porcelain, Hazel, Peony, Moonstone, Olive and other colours. The original Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds 2a are separate models.

SpecificationApple AirPods Max 2Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Release year20262024
ModelA3454

Listed in Apple’s model table as AirPods Max 2, introduced in 2026.

Apple
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Announcement and availabilityAnnounced 16 March 2026; orders from 25 March; deliveries from early April

US and more than 30 other countries and regions.

Apple
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ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange Apple—
ChipApple H2 in each ear cup AppleGoogle Tensor A1 in each earbud

Google says Tensor A1 adapts audio to the environment up to 3 million times per second and runs noise cancellation twice as strong as the original Pixel Buds Pro; music and noise-cancellation processing run on separate paths.

Google
Driver and amplifierApple-designed dynamic driver; custom high-dynamic-range amplifier; dual neodymium ring magnet motor

The manufacturer pages read give no frequency range or impedance.

Apple
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Noise controlANC, Transparency mode and Adaptive Audio; up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation

Apple’s claim, based on IEC 60268-24 testing; it does not mean the same reduction in every environment.

Apple
Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0; Transparency mode; active in-ear pressure relief; Conversation Detection

Pressure relief reduces the plugged-ear feeling of sealed earbuds. Conversation Detection pauses music and switches to transparency when you start talking.

Google
MicrophonesNine microphones: eight for ANC, three for voice pickup (two shared) AppleThree mics per earbud; voice accelerometer; wind-blocking mesh covers

The voice accelerometer picks up jaw vibration while you speak to help separate your voice from ambient noise. Google’s Clear Calling and Super Wideband calling require compatible Pixel phones.

Google
SensorsOptical, position, case-detect and accelerometer in each cup; gyroscope in the left cup only AppleCapacitive touch (tap and swipe); IR proximity sensor; accelerometer and gyroscope

The proximity sensor pauses music automatically when you take an earbud out; swiping adjusts volume.

Google
ControlsDigital Crown (volume, play/pause, calls, Siri) and a listening mode button

No separate power button is listed.

Apple
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Bluetooth5.3

The manufacturer does not state supported audio codecs.

Apple
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Wired audioLossless and ultra-low-latency audio over USB-C; 24-bit / 48 kHz

Requires compatible content and a supported app. Lossless audio is not offered over Bluetooth.

Apple
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Analogue inputAnalogue sources via a USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable

The cable is not listed among the box contents.

Apple
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Battery lifeUp to 20 hours of listening with ANC on

Apple’s test: pre-production units, 50% volume, ANC on, Spatial Audio fixed. Actual time depends on settings and environment.

Apple
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Quick chargeAbout 1.5 hours of listening from 5 minutes of charging Apple—
ChargingUSB-C; ultra-low-power state when stored in the Smart Case Apple—
Dimensions168.6 × 83.4 × 187.3 mm (width × depth × height), including cushions Apple—
Weight386.2 g; Smart Case 134.5 g

Apple says size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process.

Apple
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Build and cushionsAnodised aluminium ear cups; breathable knit-mesh canopy; stainless steel telescoping arms; memory foam and mesh-textile cushions Apple—
Water and dust resistanceNone

Apple lists this feature as not applicable to AirPods Max 2.

Apple
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Audio featuresAdaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Personalized Volume, Loud Sound Reduction, Adaptive EQ; Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking

Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Personalized Volume need current firmware and operating system. A Spatial Audio profile needs an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera.

Apple
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Live TranslationBeta; needs an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone on iOS 26 or later

Languages: Chinese (simplified and traditional), English (US, UK), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain). Turkish is not listed.

Apple
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Software requirementiOS and iPadOS 26.4 or later; current operating system on Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro

On older Apple software and non-Apple devices it works as basic Bluetooth headphones with limited functionality.

Apple
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Firmware9A348 (latest version in Apple’s list); adds an Equalizer control

Apple’s page gives no release date for this version.

Apple
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In the boxAirPods Max 2, Smart Case, USB-C charge cable, documentation Apple—
AccessibilityLive Listen, Headphone levels, Headphone Accommodations

Requires the latest iOS or iPadOS.

Apple
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Driver—Custom-designed 11 mm dynamic driver per earbud Google
Connectivity—Bluetooth 5.4 with Super Wideband; works with Bluetooth 4.0+ devices

Full features need an Android 6.0 or newer phone, a Google Account and an internet connection; basic listening works with an iPhone.

Google
Battery—ANC off 12 hours (48 hours with case); ANC on 8 hours (30 hours with case); 5 minutes charge gives 1.5 hours (ANC off)

Google’s blog footnote says figures were measured on pre-production hardware with other features disabled; real-world time may be shorter.

Google
Charging case—USB-C and Qi-certified wireless charging; ringtone speaker for Find Hub; Hall effect sensor for open/close

The case speaker lets you ring a lost case through Find Hub.

Google
Durability—Earbuds IP54; case IPX4

IP54 limits dust ingress and resists splashing water from any direction; the earbuds should not be submerged. The case has no dust rating.

Google
Size and weight—Earbud (medium tip) 22.74 × 23.08 × 17.03 mm, 4.7 g; case 49.9 × 63.3 × 25 mm, 65 g with earbuds

Google says the earbuds are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the original Pixel Buds Pro.

Google
Software support—Automatic security updates for at least three years from first availability on the US Google Store Google