Apple’s new AirPods Max 2 keep the same recognizable design as the first generation, but the company added a small upgrade that makes the headphones more practical for everyday use. The Digital Crown now supports a camera remote feature that lets users control the camera on an iPhone or iPad directly from the headphones.
With a simple press on the crown, users can take photos or start and stop video recording without touching their phone, which makes group photos, tripod shots, and remote video capture easier.
According to Apple’s official announcement, the feature works when AirPods Max 2 run the latest firmware and connect to devices running iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 or later. These software versions are currently in beta testing and will be released publicly around the time the headphones launch in early April.
Digital Crown Adds Camera Remote Control
The new camera remote function turns the Digital Crown into a practical control tool when using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps. Users can set their iPhone or iPad at a distance and capture content without touching the screen. This makes it easier to record videos, take group photos, or capture shots when the device sits on a tripod.
Apple already used the Digital Crown for media and call controls on the original AirPods Max. The second generation keeps those controls while adding the new camera feature.
Digital Crown Controls on AirPods Max 2
- Turn the crown to adjust volume
- Press once to play or pause media
- Press once to answer calls or mute and unmute
- Press once to trigger the camera remote
- Press twice to end a call
- Press twice to skip forward
- Press three times to skip back
- Press and hold to activate Siri
Other Upgrades Coming With AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 introduce several improvements beyond the new Digital Crown feature. Apple added the H2 chip, which increases Active Noise Cancellation and improves sound performance. The headphones also support new intelligent features that improve listening and communication during everyday use.
- Up to 1.5x stronger Active Noise Cancellation
- Improved audio quality with a new high-dynamic-range amplifier
- Adaptive Audio that adjusts noise control automatically
- Conversation Awareness that lowers the audio when users speak
- Voice Isolation for clearer calls
- Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence
- Studio-quality audio recording for creators
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Price and Availability
Apple confirmed that AirPods Max 2 will open for orders on March 25 through Apple’s website and the Apple Store app. The headphones will start at $549 in the United States and will arrive to customers in early April. Apple will offer the new model in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.
