Headphones · 2026
Apple AirPods 5 (Wireless Charging Case)
Open-fit earbuds with ANC and no silicone tips. This version adds swipe volume control and wireless charging; its battery figures differ from the standard-case AirPods 5.
Technology glossary
Apple H2 headphone chip
H2 is the chip Apple designs for headphones. In AirPods Max 2 there is one in each ear cup.
Apple credits the stronger noise cancellation in AirPods Max 2 to H2 and new computational audio algorithms. It also introduces a new DSP algorithm for Transparency mode.
This does not mean the chip alone decides the result. Apple requires current firmware and operating system for Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Personalized Volume.
Devices using this technology
Headphones · 2026
Apple AirPods Max 2
Wireless over-ear headphones with Apple’s H2 chip. They have ANC, Transparency and Adaptive Audio. Lossless audio and low latency come only over a USB-C cable. Reviews praise the noise cancellation; weight, the 20-hour battery and limited features on non-Apple devices are the recurring reservations.
Headphones · 2025
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Apple's 2025 in-ear ANC earbuds. They offer the H2 chip, new foam-infused tips in five sizes, an optical heart-rate sensor for workouts, hearing aid and hearing test features, and up to 8 hours of battery with ANC on. Tests rate the noise cancelling and battery highly; the fit does not suit everyone, some owners report static on flights, and most features need an Apple device.