Apple today announced AirPods Max 2, the latest version of its iconic over-the-ear headphones. The new model brings improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), better sound quality, and intelligent features.
The new headphones are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, offering features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation for the first time on the AirPods Max. The new headphones also provide useful features for podcasters, musicians, and content creators, with useful features like studio-quality audio recording and camera remote.
The H2 works with new computational audio algorithms to deliver ANC that’s up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation. Meanwhile, a new digital signal processing algorithm optimized for H2 and the microphone array on AirPods Max provide transparency that sounds even more natural.
A new high dynamic range amplifier provides cleaner audio, as well as Spatial Audio that make content sound better than ever, offering improved localization of instruments, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs.
The new AirPods Max support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with the included USB-C cable. Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max 2 allows musicians to create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.
For gamers using AirPods Max 2 and playing in Game Mode, iOS, macOS, and iPadOS games feel even more responsive and immersive, thanks to reduced wireless audio latency.
Other AirPods Max 2 Features
- Adaptive Audio adjusts the levels of ANC and Transparency in response to the environment automatically to optimize the audio experience.
- Conversation Awareness helps lower content volume and reduce background noise when a user starts speaking to someone nearby.
- Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence,3 helps users communicate across languages in person.
- Voice Isolation uses advanced computational audio powered by H2 to prioritize the voice during calls, while blocking out ambient noise.
- With camera remote, users can capture content at a distance by pressing the Digital Crown to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad.
- Studio-quality audio recording allows interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators to record their content with higher-quality audio and more natural vocal texture.
- Loud Sound Reduction helps users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to.
- Personalized Volume automatically fine-tunes the listening experience for users based on their preferences over time.
- Siri Interactions allow users to conveniently and privately respond to Siri announcements by simply nodding their head yes or gently shaking their head no.
Pricing and Availability
- AirPods Max 2 start at $549 (U.S.) in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.
- Customers in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries and regions can order AirPods Max 2 starting Wednesday, March 25, on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app. They will arrive to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations, beginning early next month.
