The second-generation AirPods Max headphones are official, and they are powered by the H2 chip for improved noise cancelling and more.
AirPods Max 2 Now Official with H2 Chip, Improved ANC, Transparency Mode, Live Translation, and Tons More
Turns out, the AirPods Max refresh with USB-C wasn’t the second-generation upgrade at all. Today, Apple has announced the AirPods Max 2 for real, and it is packed with changes that bring it on par with the AirPods Pro 3.
H2 Comes to AirPods Max 2
The H2 chip brings a lot of AirPods Pro 3-only features to the AirPods Max 2, and I’m going to make a list of each feature below:
- Adaptive Audio – a feature that automatically adjusts the level of ANC based on the noise in your surroundings.
- Conversation Awareness – when you start to talk, AirPods Max 2 will lower the volume and turn on Transparency mode automatically.
- Live Translation – on the fly language translation between users.
- Voice Isolation – focuses on your voice while cutting out all other sounds while in a call.
- Camera Remote – you can use the AirPods Max 2 to snap photos on your iPhone. Just press the Digital Crown, it’s that simple.
- Studio-Quality Microphones – whether you’re in a call, recording a podcast, or just want to record a bit of random audio, the high-quality microphones ensure the best-possible quality.
- Loud Sound Reduction – AirPods Max 2 can adjust loud environmental sounds automatically.
- Personalized Volume – AirPods Max 2 learns from your listening habits and fine-tunes the volume over time.
- Siri Interactions – Nod your head to dismiss a notification or reject a call.
Improved Audio and ANC
Thanks to the H2 chip, Apple says the new AirPods Max offer up to 1.5x improvement in active noise cancellation, compared to the previous generation of headphones.
AirPods Max 2 features a new high dynamic range amplifier for improved sound, and enhanced Spatial Audio experiences compared to before.
However, if you want to get the most out of AirPods Max, then connect that USB-C cable and experience lossless audio at 24-bit, 48kHz, that too at ultra-low latency.
Since Apple is using the H2 chip, you can expect lower audio latency over Bluetooth as well which makes these headphones perfect for gaming on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Last but not least, Apple says the new AirPods are good for up to 20 hours of listening with active noise cancelling enabled.
Price, Availability, Colors
Apple says the new AirPods Max will be available for order on the 25th of March, and will be available in stores starting early next month in 30 countries.
The new AirPods Max cost $549, and are available in the following colors: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.
