Apple just introduced the AirPods Max 2, an updated edition of its premium over-ear headphones that have been beloved by audiophiles and Apple fans for years. Thanks to the powerful H2 chip, this model promises improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation and smart functions, while the design remains unchanged.
This update finally brings the AirPods Max on par with the latest AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, with features that were previously exclusive to in-ears. As a result, Apple’s most expensive headphones finally benefit from important features such as adaptive audio, live translation and call detection.
H2 chip with numerous advantages
When the AirPods Max made the switch to USB-C in late 2024, many users were disappointed that the H2 chip was not included. Now, however, Apple seems to be ready, because as a total surprise the AirPods Max 2 was announced. The addition of the H2 chip is the most important improvement, which provides many extras and benefits.
Better Active Noise Cancellation
The H2 chip and new computational audio algorithms ensure that the AirPods Max 2’s Active Noise Cancellation is up to 1.5 times more effective than the previous generation. Environmental sounds, such as those of a plane or train, are dampened even better, so you can fully concentrate on your music, work or phone call.
The AirPods Max 2 uses an advanced digital signal processing algorithm specifically optimized for the H2 chip. In combination with the microphones, Transparency mode sounds even more natural, so you hear exactly what you need to hear.
More smart features for AirPods Max
The H2 chip is faster, more energy efficient and can perform certain audio options better. Thanks to the new processor, music sounds better with more powerful bass and less distortion, and the AirPods Max 2 also benefits from the audio features below:
- Adaptive audio: Automatically adjusts Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency levels to suit your environment for optimal sound.
- Call Detection: Lowers the volume of your media and reduces background noise when you’re talking to someone.
- Personalized volume: Learns over time what your listening preferences are and automatically adjusts the sound accordingly.
- Reduction of Loud Noise prevents you from being exposed to loud ambient noise, while keeping everything you listen to sounding natural and vibrant.
- Voice Isolation During Calls: Uses the advanced computational audio in the H2 chip to isolate your voice and filter out ambient noise during phone calls.
- Live Translate: An Apple Intelligence feature that lets you communicate live with people who speak another language.
- Camera control lets you remotely use the Camera app or a similar compatible third-party app on iPhone or iPad. Press the Digital Crown on your AirPods Max 2 to take a photo or start or stop filming.
- Shake your head to respond to Siri
Unchanged design
Apple has left the design of the AirPods Max 2 unchanged, retaining the premium aluminum casing, breathable mesh headphones and elegant aesthetics that have been popular with users for years. Unfortunately, the Smart Case, with its smart sleep mode and limited protection, remains exactly the same. The AirPods Max are charged via USB-C.
Exceptional audio quality with new amplifier
AirPods Max 2 has a new amplifier that delivers clear audio with the high sound quality of AirPods Max. Spatial Audio sounds better with improved instrument placement, better bass response, and natural-sounding mids and highs.
The new AirPods Max supports 24-bit, 48 kHz Lossless audio via the USB-C cable, so you can enjoy high-quality sound for music, movies and games. With lossless audio and low latency, musicians can make the most of AirPods Max with Logic Pro and other music apps. The USB-C cable makes AirPods Max the only headphones that allow musicians to play and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio.
Gamers will benefit from reduced audio delay when used wirelessly, making games played in Game Mode on iOS, macOS and iPadOS with AirPods Max 2 even more immersive.
Buy AirPods Max 2
The AirPods Max 2 can be ordered from March 25 in midnight, starlight, orange, purple and blue, with delivery in early April. The price remains €579. You can also buy the AirPods Max from MediaMarkt, Coolblue, Amazon, Azerty, InformatiqueYorcom or Bol.com. Are you going to sell your old AirPods Max? Nowadays you can also do this via our sales page.