The latest AirPods Max 2 now feature advanced custom EQ controls and a substantial price reduction. (Illustrative AI-generated image).
- AirPods Max 2 are on sale for $399, their lowest price ever, making them more competitive with other premium headphones.
- The upcoming iOS 27 update introduces a system-wide custom EQ for AirPods, allowing users to tailor sound profiles.
- This new custom EQ feature will be available on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods (3rd gen and later), but compatibility with the original AirPods Max is unconfirmed.
- The Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 will gain new functionality in iOS 27, enhancing user control.
- The combination of a significant price cut and new software features makes the AirPods Max 2 a more compelling purchase.
- Custom EQ functionality is exclusive to Apple devices running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27.
You know the feeling. You spend good money on premium headphones, expecting amazing sound. But then you realize you can’t really tweak the audio to your liking. The bass might be too boomy. The treble might feel sharp. And there’s no easy way to fix it.
That has been the story for AirPods users for years. Apple’s headphones have always sounded great out of the box. But they never let you adjust the sound profile yourself. If you wanted a warmer or brighter sound, you were stuck.
That changes now. And at the same time, the price of the latest AirPods Max just dropped to its lowest point ever.
The AirPods Max 2 are currently selling for $399 on Amazon. That is $150 off the regular $549 price. It is a deal that makes these premium headphones much easier to afford. But the real story is what is coming in iOS 27. Apple’s next big software update finally gives you control over how your music sounds. It adds a custom EQ, or equalizer, that lets you adjust bass, treble, and mids just like you would on a stereo system. It also gives the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 a new trick.
Let’s break down what all of this means for you, whether you are thinking about buying a pair or just curious about the updates.
The Deal That Changes Everything: AirPods Max 2 Price Drop to $399
Let’s start with the price. The AirPods Max 2 launched at $549. That is a lot of money for a pair of headphones, even really good ones. The original AirPods Max from 2020 also cost $549. So the second generation kept the same high price tag.
But now, Amazon has cut the price to $399. That is a $150 discount. It is the lowest price we have seen for the AirPods Max 2 since they came out. For comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose 700 headphones usually sell for around $350 to $400. So at $399, the AirPods Max 2 are now in the same ballpark as their biggest rivals. That makes them a much more serious option for anyone who wants premium wireless headphones.
What do you get for that money? The AirPods Max 2 come with Apple’s H2 chip, which gives better sound quality and active noise cancellation. They also have USB-C charging instead of the old Lightning port. The build quality is top notch, with a stainless steel frame and memory foam ear cushions. And the battery life is about 20 hours with noise cancellation on.
But the hardware was never the problem. The problem was that Apple’s software for AirPods was missing a key feature: sound customization. That is where iOS 27 comes in.
iOS 27’s Custom EQ Puts You in Control of AirPods Max 2 Sound
If you have ever used a music app like Spotify or Apple Music, you might have seen an equalizer. It lets you boost the bass, lower the treble, or adjust the mids. It is a simple way to make music sound the way you like it.
Until now, AirPods did not have their own system-wide EQ. You could change the sound in some apps, but it was not consistent across everything you listened to. If you watched a video or took a call, you were stuck with Apple’s default tuning.
iOS 27 changes that. The new custom EQ is built right into the Settings app for AirPods. You can choose from presets like “Bass Boost,” “Treble Boost,” or “Vocal.” Or you can create your own curve by sliding bands up and down. It works for all audio: music, podcasts, movies, and even phone calls.
This is a big deal because it puts you in control. No more feeling like the headphones are dictating how your music should sound. You can make it punchier, warmer, or brighter. It is your choice.
Tom’s Guide described the feature as finally letting users “fix their sound.” That is a good way to put it. Everyone’s ears are different. Some people like more bass. Others want clear vocals. With the custom EQ, you can tailor the AirPods Max 2 to your personal taste.
One important thing to note: the custom EQ is coming to all AirPods that support iOS 27, not just the AirPods Max 2. That includes the AirPods Pro 2 and the standard AirPods (third generation and later). However, the original AirPods Max from 2020 may not get this feature. Apple has not confirmed compatibility for the first-generation model. If you have the older AirPods Max, you might need to upgrade to get the EQ controls.
Also, the custom EQ only works with Apple devices running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27. If you use your AirPods with an Android phone or an older iPhone, you won’t see the EQ settings. That is a limitation to keep in mind.
AirPods Max 2 Digital Crown Gets a New Functionality with iOS 27
The AirPods Max have always had a Digital Crown on the right ear cup. It is the same physical dial you find on the Apple Watch. On the headphones, you use it to adjust volume, play or pause music, and skip tracks. It also lets you answer calls and activate Siri.
With iOS 27, the Digital Crown gets a new feature. MacRumors reported that the update adds a useful new function, though the exact capability was not detailed in the available sources. Based on the context of the other updates, it likely involves more precise control over the custom EQ or maybe quick switching between sound profiles.
What we do know is that Apple is trying to make the physical controls on the AirPods Max 2 more useful. The Digital Crown is already one of the best features of the headphones. It feels satisfying to turn, and it gives you tactile feedback. Adding a new trick makes it even more valuable.
For example, imagine being able to scroll through EQ presets by turning the crown. Or maybe you can use it to adjust the balance between noise cancellation and transparency mode. Apple hasn’t said exactly what the new feature is, but it is clear that the company sees the Digital Crown as a key part of the AirPods Max experience.
This is a good example of how software updates can make hardware better. You already own the headphones. Then a free update adds a new capability. That is the Apple ecosystem working as intended.
How the AirPods Max 2 Price Cut and iOS 27 Updates Affect Daily Listening
Let’s put all of this together in a real-world scenario.
You buy the AirPods Max 2 at the $399 price. You take them out of the box, pair them with your iPhone, and start listening. The sound is already great. The H2 chip delivers clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass. Noise cancellation blocks out the hum of an airplane or the chatter of a coffee shop.
But then you go into Settings and find the new custom EQ. You notice that the default sound is a bit too bright for your taste. So you slide the treble down a notch and boost the bass slightly. Suddenly, your favorite songs sound fuller and more enjoyable. You save that profile and name it “My Sound.”
Later, you switch to a podcast. The host’s voice sounds a little muffled. So you switch to the “Vocal” preset, which boosts mid-range frequencies. Now the voice is clear and easy to understand. You don’t have to keep adjusting the volume.
And when you want to change the volume, you just turn the Digital Crown. With the new iOS 27 feature, maybe you can also quickly toggle between your custom EQ and the default. Or maybe you can use it to fine-tune the EQ on the fly. Either way, the experience is more fluid and personal.
This is the kind of control that audiophiles have wanted from Apple for years. And now it is here.
For everyday listening, the combination of a lower price and better software makes the AirPods Max 2 a much more attractive buy. You are not just paying for premium materials and noise cancellation. You are also paying for a sound experience that you can shape to your liking.
Is It Worth Upgrading to AirPods Max 2 Now?
If you already own the first-generation AirPods Max, you might be wondering if it is time to upgrade. The answer depends on a few things.
First, the custom EQ. If that feature matters to you, and if Apple does not bring it to the original AirPods Max, then upgrading to the AirPods Max 2 is the only way to get it. The second generation also has the H2 chip, which offers better sound quality and improved noise cancellation compared to the H1 chip in the original model. Plus, USB-C is more convenient than Lightning, especially if you already use a USB-C charger for your Mac or iPad.
Second, the price. At $399, the AirPods Max 2 are $150 cheaper than the original launch price. That is a significant discount. If you have been waiting for a good deal, this is probably the best one you will see for a while.
But if you are happy with your current AirPods Max and don’t care about custom EQ or USB-C, you might not need to upgrade. The original model still sounds great and works fine with iOS 27 for other features like Spatial Audio. However, keep in mind that Apple may not support the first-generation model with future software updates beyond a certain point. The H1 chip is getting old.
For people who do not own any AirPods Max, the decision is easier. At $399 with the iOS 27 upgrades, the AirPods Max 2 are a strong competitor to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose 700. The Sony and Bose models also have custom EQ apps, but they are not as tightly integrated with your iPhone. If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max 2 will give you a smoother experience.
One potential downside: the custom EQ is only available on Apple devices. If you plan to use the headphones with a Windows PC or Android phone, you won’t be able to adjust the EQ through Apple’s settings. That might be a dealbreaker for some people.
Another limitation is that the custom EQ is system-wide, not per-app. You cannot have different EQ settings for Spotify and Apple Music, for example. But that is a minor complaint. Most people will set one profile and stick with it.
The Bigger Apple Ecosystem Picture for AirPods Max 2 and iOS 27
The iOS 27 update is not just about AirPods. Apple is preparing a whole new generation of products. The company has teased the next iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods as a family of devices that work together seamlessly. The official message from Apple is: “Get ready to discover and shop the next generation of iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.”
This suggests that the custom EQ and Digital Crown updates are just the beginning. Apple is likely to introduce more audio features in future updates. For example, we might see adaptive EQ that automatically adjusts based on your hearing profile or the environment. Or maybe the Digital Crown will get even more functions.
The AirPods Max 2 are positioned as the premium option in Apple’s headphone lineup. They sit above the AirPods Pro 2 and the standard AirPods. With the price drop and the new software features, they are becoming a more compelling choice for people who want the best possible sound from Apple.
But the bigger picture is about ecosystem lock-in. Once you start using the custom EQ on your AirPods Max 2, you will probably want to keep using Apple devices to get the full experience. That is exactly what Apple wants. The company is betting that better software will make its hardware more attractive, even at a premium price.
For now, the message is clear: if you have been on the fence about the AirPods Max 2, the combination of a $150 discount and the iOS 27 updates makes this the best time to buy. You get great hardware at a lower price, plus software features that finally let you control your sound. It is a rare moment where everything lines up.
So if you are tired of listening to music the way someone else thinks it should sound, maybe it is time to take control. The AirPods Max 2 are ready. And iOS 27 is about to make them even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new price for the AirPods Max 2?
The AirPods Max 2 are currently available on Amazon for $399. This represents a $150 discount from their original launch price of $549.
What new audio features are coming with iOS 27 for AirPods?
iOS 27 will introduce a custom EQ (equalizer) feature for AirPods, allowing users to adjust bass, treble, and mid frequencies to their preference. It will also add new functionality to the AirPods Max 2's Digital Crown.
Will the custom EQ feature work on older AirPods Max models?
Apple has not confirmed if the custom EQ feature will be available for the original AirPods Max from 2020. It is confirmed for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods (3rd gen and later) that support iOS 27.
Where can I access the custom EQ settings for my AirPods?
The custom EQ settings will be integrated into the Settings app on Apple devices running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27. It is a system-wide feature, not app-specific.
Are the AirPods Max 2 a good value at $399?
At $399, the AirPods Max 2 are now priced similarly to top competitors like Sony and Bose. Combined with the new iOS 27 custom EQ and Digital Crown features, they offer a strong value proposition for Apple users seeking premium sound customization.
Does the custom EQ work with non-Apple devices?
No, the custom EQ feature is exclusive to Apple devices running iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27. It will not be available if you use your AirPods with Android phones or Windows PCs.
References
- AirPods Max 2 are getting harder to resist with iOS 27 upgrades – Original report (9to5Mac)
- AirPods Max 2 are getting harder to resist with iOS 27 upgrades – 9to5Mac – 9to5Mac
- AirPods Features in iOS 27 Bring Real Sound Control – AppleMagazine – AppleMagazine – Highlights that iOS 27 brings 'real sound control' to AirPods, emphasizing user-adjustable audio settings.
- AirPods finally get a custom EQ in iOS 27 — here is how to fix your sound – Tom's Guide – Details the custom EQ feature in iOS 27, explaining how users can personalize sound on AirPods for the first time.
- Get ready to discover and shop the next generation of iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods – Apple – Apple's official teaser for next-generation products, linking iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods as a cohesive ecosystem update, setting context for iOS 27.
- AirPods Max 2's Digital Crown Has a Useful New Feature – MacRumors – Reports that the Digital Crown on AirPods Max 2 gains a new, useful feature with iOS 27, though specific function is not disclosed in available text.
