iFixit’s teardown of the Apple AirPods Max 2 reveals that while the internal hardware has received a notable boost with the inclusion of a new chip, the repairability of the headphones remain largely unchanged.
The most significant upgrade in the AirPods Max 2 is the H2 chip, which replaces the H1 found in the original 2020 model. It brings the headphones’ capabilities in line with Apple’s latest audio products, offering improved active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and voice isolation. The new model also features Bluetooth 5.3 for more reliable wireless connectivity.
Despite these internal advancements, the external appearance and internal physical architecture of the headphones are virtually identical to the previous generation. The model number, A3454, is one of the only ways to distinguish the new version from its predecessors without opening the device.
iFixit’s teardown highlights that the AirPods Max 2 still faces several repairability challenges. The battery, which is the most common point of failure for any wireless device, remains a dual-cell design with a combined energy rating of 2.53 Wh, exactly the same as the 2020 model. Accessing the battery requires navigating captive screws and stubborn adhesive, making it a difficult task for the average user.
The video also notes that the USBC port, while a welcome transition from the Lightning connector, is also quite challenging to replace, requiring significant disassembly of the internal components.
A significant concern raised in the teardown is the lack of protection against condensation buildup in the ear cups. This issue has plagued the AirPods Max series since its inception, and the new model appears to have no hardware modifications to address it.
Furthermore, iFixit criticizes Apple for the continued lack of a repair ecosystem for the AirPods Max line. Despite the high price tag, Apple does not yet offer official replacement parts or manuals through its Self-Service Repair program.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
