There’s more announcements coming from Cupertino with Apple unveiling the new AirPods Max 2, now featuring the new H2 chip that enables improved ANC and several new features carried over from other H2-powered models, like the AirPods Pro 3.
AirPods Max 2
First things first: despite a new name, the AirPods Max 2 has no visual differences if you put it side-by-side against the original model. Still, inside its hardware it now gains 1.5x better ANC through “new computational audio algorithms”, the H2 chip and the integrated microphone array. On the flip side, Transparency mode has also been updated with revised digital signal processing to produce a more natural representation of surrounding sounds when the feature is enabled.
For its audio, the new AirPods Max 2 include a new high dynamic range amplifier for “even cleaner audio”, with Spatial Audio in particular benefitting on improved localization of instruments, more accurate bass response, plus more natural-sounding mids and highs. When connected using the included USB-C cable, the headphones support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio as well, or in Apple words, utilize its low-latency nature it for gaming. (I doubt gamers will immediately associate AirPods Max with gaming, but I digress.)
The H2 chip also enables additional features found from the likes of AirPods Pro 3, which includes Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Loud Sound Reduction, and more. Apple also gave this headset a new remote control capability when paired with an iPhone or iPad – pressing the onboard “Digital Crown” button allows the user to control the devices’ camera remotely, similar to how Samsung’s S Pen used to work.
The Apple AirPods Max 2 will be available in midnight, starlight, orange, purple and blue; pre-orders starts on 25 March, with broader availability starting the following month, costing RM2,299 apiece.
Pokdepinion: It seemed a bit counterintuitive to market wired mode as a secondary feature, but I guess that’s Apple’s philosophy.