A five-year gap since the launch of the original model in December 2020, which had seen only a minor technical update in 2024 limited to the introduction of the USB Type-C port and new color options, Apple has decided to deeply renew the internal hardware of its over-ear headphones, while the aesthetics remain unchanged. Meet the AirPods Max 2.
From the outside, the new AirPods Max 2 look identical to the previous ones. We find the large ear cups and the characteristic flexible top band, with dimensions and weight remaining the same as the first generation.
The substantial differences reside entirely in the hardware, driven by the introduction of the H2 chip, which replaces the previous H1 processor. This component forms the basis of all the new features offered by the device and the improvement of overall performance.
The implementation of the H2 chip guarantees, according to the manufacturer, an active noise cancellation one and a half times more effective than the previous generation, allowing further isolation of the listener from external disturbances such as the noise of airplane engines or commuter traffic.
A new digital signal processing algorithm also affects the Transparency mode, calibrated to render ambient sounds more natural.
On the sound quality front, the headphones integrate a new high dynamic range amplifier and support the lossless 24-bit and 48 kHz audio, usable when the device is connected via the included USB Type-C cable.
Spatial audio also receives a technical update, offering more precise instrument localization and a more constant bass response. Wireless connectivity is ensured by the Bluetooth 5.3 standard, which reduces latency, improving the overall user experience and response times during gaming sessions.
The move to the new hardware architecture introduces software features previously absent. The device now supports Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances the levels of noise cancellation and transparency based on the surrounding environment, in addition to Conversation Detection, which lowers the volume of multimedia content as soon as the user starts speaking to someone nearby.
During calls or audio recordings, the Vocal Isolation intervenes to block background noises, prioritizing the voice. A noteworthy addition for users is the Live Translation, supported by Apple’s AI systems, designed to facilitate conversations in different languages.
Moreover, the company has implemented the Siri gesture interactions, which allow you to respond privately to Siri announcements simply by nodding or shaking your head.
Among the new tools is also the remote camera control feature: by pressing the Digital Crown you can now take photos or start and stop video recording from a connected iPhone or iPad.
The stated battery life stands at 20 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation enabled.
The AirPods Max 2 will be available for preorder starting from Wednesday, March 25 in over thirty countries, offered in five color options: Midnight, Galaxy, Orange, Purple and Blue.
Shipping and arrival in physical stores will begin in the early days of April. In Italy, the list price for the new model has been set at €579.
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