Photo Credit: Apple
Apple unveils the AirPods Max 2, the long-awaited successor to the original model, for $549. The new model is available to order starting March 25.
Years after the original AirPods Max were introduced, the long-awaited successor is finally here. The AirPods Max 2 will cost $549 and be available to order starting March 25, before shipping in early April. They will be available in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue colorways.
The most significant upgrade is the H2 chip that has been part of AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 for a while now. This, coupled with the high dynamic range amplifier, promises improved audio quality on the Max 2.
H2 also enables upgraded Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities, and Apple says Transparency mode is better in the new model as well. It’s a major upgrade over the H1 chip found in the original AirPods Max model.
“With the incredible performance of H2, AirPods Max are upgraded with up to 1.5x more effective ANC for the ultimate all-day listening experience,” said Eric Treski, Apple’s Director of Audio Product Marketing. “The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed—and when combined with capabilities like Personalized Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience.”
Other new features enabled by the H2 upgrade include Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Voice Isolation, Camera Remote, Conversation Awareness, Loud Sound Reduction, studio-quality audio recording, and Siri interactions via head gestures.
Like its successor, the AirPods Max 2 will support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with the included USB-C cable. Reduced wireless audio latency will also make for a better gaming experience for those who use Game Mode.
Notably, if you already have the AirPods Pro model, these features are nothing new. But it’s a significant upgrade to the original AirPods Max and brings them up to date with the more advanced contemporary models.
