Apple AirPods Max 2 see first major discount at Walmart

Walmart has discounted the Apple AirPods Max 2 to $399.99, a significant price drop from the usual $549. This offer is available in every color during Walmart Deals. The discounted price is the lowest seen yet.

Amazon currently matches this price for the starlight color. In our review, we praised Apple's latest over-ear headset for its excellent sound quality, impressive noise cancellation, and premium build quality. An upgraded amplifier gives some extra oomph to the same drivers that are in the first-gen AirPods Max with USB-C, and the new processing chip supports features like live translation and conversation awareness.

Unfortunately, this incremental update missed the opportunity to solve some of the previous version's biggest flaws. For example, they don't have a power button, so you'll need to use the carrying case to put them to sleep, and they lose most of their unique functionality when connected to anything other than an iOS device. The price is usually a sticking point as well, but this discount brings them in line with our favorite noise-cancelling headset, the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Why this matters: This discount makes the AirPods Max 2 a more viable option for those looking for high-end noise-cancelling headphones. The price drop brings them in line with competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6, which may sway consumers who were previously deterred by the premium price. For developers and businesses, this could mean increased adoption of Apple's audio technology.

However, the limitations of the AirPods Max 2, such as compatibility issues with non-iOS devices, remain a concern. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apple addresses these issues in future updates and whether this discount will have a lasting impact on sales.