Apple announces AirPods Max 2, a significant update to its headphone lineup. The AirPods Max 2 boasts an even more powerful active noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and new features according to Apple.
This new generation fills a gap left by the USB-C model released in 2024: the H1 chip is finally replaced by the H2, the same chip found in AirPods Pro 2 and later models. With the H2 chip, features such as adaptive audio, conversation detection, and instant translation finally make their debut on the headphones.
Here are all the new features available on the AirPods Max 2: – Adaptive audio (combines active noise cancellation and Transparency mode to adjust noise levels based on environmental conditions); – Conversation detection (reduces multimedia volume when speaking and amplifies nearby voices); – Live translation; – Voice isolation; – Customized volume; – Reduction of loud sounds; – Device control by head gestures (nod for ‘yes’, shake for ‘no’).
The H2 chip also enhances other essential aspects of the product. The AirPods Max 2 is expected to have up to 1.5 times better active noise cancellation than the original model. With a new optimized digital signal processing algorithm for the H2 chip, the Transparency mode would provide a more natural sound.
“The sound quality is remarkably clear, rich, and detailed. Paired with features like personalized spatial audio, it offers a deeply immersive experience,” said Eric Treski, the audio product marketing director. The AirPods Max 2 includes a new extended dynamic range amplifier for a more ‘pure’ sound.
Like the first-generation AirPods Max with USB-C, this new model supports 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio when connected to a source via USB-C cable (included). The Bluetooth connection is upgraded from version 5.0 to 5.3.
Unfortunately, Apple has not announced any other changes. Flaws such as canopy stretching over time, the somewhat impractical Smart Case, and potential condensation inside the earcups remain unaddressed. The design remains unchanged from the previous generation, as confirmed by the dimensions (187 x 168 x 83 mm) and weight (386 g). The battery life with active noise cancellation is still limited to 20 hours, far behind some Sony or Bose headphones.
The AirPods Max 2 will be available for pre-order starting Wednesday, March 25th, with a release in early April. The price remains at $579, still making it one of the most expensive headphones in its category. The color options also remain the same: blue, purple, midnight, starlight, and orange.
