The H2 chip is what makes all the new features of the AirPods Max 2 possible. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts the noise cancellation and transparency (how much of the outside world you hear) to fit where you are. Conversation Awareness and Voice Isolation help make voices on calls clearer, even when there’s a lot of noise. And now, on these over-ear headphones, you get Live Translation, which translates languages for you in real time. Apple also added ways to control Siri with a head gesture and to use the Digital Crown to remotely start your phone’s camera or begin a video recording, so they’re good for more than just listening to music and making calls.
Upgraded ANC and Refined Transparency
The active noise cancellation is a lot better – Apple says up to 15 times better than the previous AirPods Max! This is because of the H2 chip and improved computer processing of sound, and it’s intended to block out things like the noise from airplanes and city streets. Transparency mode, which lets outside sound in, is also improved with better digital processing, creating a more natural mix between what you’re hearing and the sounds around you. Commuters and people who travel a lot will appreciate the more refined noise cancellation and transparency options.
Spatial Audio, Amplifier, and Lossless Support
There’s a new, high quality amplifier that should give you clearer sound and a more controlled bass. Spatial Audio (which creates a surround sound effect) is even better, with more defined instruments and more realistic head-tracking for movies and games. And for the first time on AirPods Max, you can get 24-bit, 48kHz audio without losing any quality when you plug them in with the USB-C cable that comes with them. This is for music professionals and people who really care about hearing studio-quality sound.
The AirPods Max 2 look very similar to the originals, with the same over-ear design and knitted fabric headband. The changes are mostly on the inside, not in a big change to how they look. They still last for about 20 hours on a charge with noise cancellation turned on, and now they have a USB-C port (like most devices are now using) as the industry and regulations move toward that standard. They come in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue, so you have more color choices, and they still have the high-end materials and build quality.
Price, Availability, and Who Should Consider Buying
In India, the AirPods Max 2 cost 67,900 rupees, which is more than the last model. You can order March 25th, they ship in April, and people who buy them get a three-month subscription to Apple Music. They’re for people who really want great noise cancellation, better Spatial Audio, and the ability to play music without losing quality via a wire. Audio experts and serious music fans who need 24-bit audio from USB-C will especially like the lossless audio feature. If you’re a more casual listener, the older version is still pretty good and cheaper, but the H2 chip, better noise cancellation, and smart audio features make the AirPods Max 2 a good option if you want the best noise cancellation and intelligent audio. Generally, the AirPods Max 2 focuses on more intelligent processing, better sound control, and higher quality sound when plugged in, while still having the luxurious feel and long battery life that people expect for this price.
