In a surprise launch on Monday, Apple has introduced the AirPods Max 2, updating the premium headphones with better active noise cancellation, the H2 chip, and more new features.
The original AirPods Max arrived in December 2020, but aside from a minor refresh in 2024 with some new colors and USB-C, it hasn't received any real changes. On March 16, Apple changed that.
Going by the name AirPods Max 2, the premium personal audio accessory looks like the originals from the outside. They're large over-ear headphones with a bouncy head cushion, just as before.
The new model weigh 13.6 ounces, the same as before, with a width of 6.64 inches, a height of 7.37 inches, and a depth of 3.28 inches.
However, Apple says the main changes are internal. They are headlined by the inclusion of the H2 headphone chip, upgraded from the original's H1, which brings with it new features.
AirPods Max 2 color range - Image Credit: Apple
This includes new items like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. These are features that were lacking in the original, but are now major inclusions in the new version, thanks to that H2.
The H2 also brings with it a 1.5-times more effective active noise cancellation experience, Apple claims, reducing even more unwanted outside noise. A new digital signal processing algorithm also helps Transparency sound "even more natural" according to the company.
Apple also includes a new high dynamic range amplifier in the AirPods Max 2 with improvements to Spatial Audio as well. Support for 24-bit 48kHz lossless audio is also available when connected using USB-C.
Wireless connectivity is still available, via Bluetooth 5.3.
Apple also includes Camera Remote as a feature this time around. Users can press the Digital Crown to take a photo or to start and stop video recordings in the Camera app on an iPhone or iPad.
Equipped with nine microphones, including eight used for ANC and three for voice pickup, the AirPods Max 2 have a battery life of up to 20 hours with ANC enabled.
Apple is opening orders for the AirPods Max 2 from March 25 in more than 30 countries, priced at $549. Shipments are expected to arrive in early April.
