The new version of the AirPods Max is now here. Apple yesterday unveiled the new AirPods Max 2, a highly anticipated update that takes a huge step forward in what the company’s most premium headphones offer us. With the H2 chip as the main highlight, the AirPods Max 2 give us cleaner, more detailed sound, much more effective noise cancellation, and a long list of smart features that completely change what we can do with these headphones. While we are still taking in the new features of the MacBook Neo, let’s see what these new AirPods Max 2 bring us.
Improved sound and even more powerful noise cancellation
The H2 chip allows the AirPods Max 2 to reach a completely new level when it comes to sound quality. Thanks to a new high-dynamic-range amplifier, these headphones deliver more consistent bass, more natural voices, and much more precise instrument placement. On top of that, Spatial Audio is now more immersive, with a soundstage that completely surrounds us.
Active Noise Cancellation is up to 1.5 times more effective than on the first generation of AirPods Max. Transparency mode also improves, with much more natural outside sound that allows us to stay aware of what is happening around us without stopping listening to our own content.
If we are looking for the highest quality, the AirPods Max 2 can play 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio through the included USB-C cable, ideal if we work with music, video editing, or podcast production, among other things. In gaming, the lower wireless latency of this new generation makes every sound arrive right on time, which is key to delivering a more immersive experience.
Smart features that make our day-to-day easier
The AirPods Max 2 improve the sound, yes, but they also improve integration with the rest of our Apple ecosystem. With Adaptive Audio, the level of cancellation and transparency adjusts automatically depending on our surroundings. If we start talking, the Conversation Awareness feature lowers the volume and highlights nearby voices for us.
The new Live Translation feature allows us to communicate in different languages in real time by listening to another person. We also get Voice Isolation for clear calls in the noisiest environments, Loud Sound Reduction to protect us from loud ambient noises, and Personalized Volume, which learns from our habits to adjust the volume for us automatically.
Anything else? Yes, with the new studio-quality audio recording feature, we can conduct interviews, sing, or record podcasts and achieve a surprisingly natural and clean result. Finally, we can use the digital crown as a remote control for the iPhone camera, a detail that makes it easier for us to record videos or take photos without having to touch the device.
Design, sustainability, availability, and price
This generation keeps the iconic AirPods Max design, with its mesh headband and memory foam ear cushions. They are available in Starlight, Midnight, orange, blue, and purple, and every component, Apple reminds us, has been made with the environment in mind. The magnets use recycled rare earth elements and all electronic boards include recycled gold and tin, while the packaging is made entirely from recyclable fiber.
The AirPods Max 2 will be available for pre-order on March 25 at a price of 579 EUR or 549 USD, and they will arrive in stores and to the first buyers in early April.
With the AirPods Max 2, Apple is raising the bar for the quality and capabilities of the Max range. Between the superior sound quality, better noise cancellation, integration with Apple Intelligence, and the new features, we are looking at the best headphones the company has created so far.