Apple’s AirPods Max 2 Arrives in a Quiet Launch
▼ Summary
– Apple has launched the AirPods Max 2, a $549 successor to its 2020 premium headphones, available for preorder on March 25.
– Key audio features include improved active noise cancellation, a new H2 chip, better sound quality, and a more natural Transparency mode.
– The headphones introduce new functionality like Live Translation for in-person conversations and voice isolation for clearer calls.
– Additional features include Camera Remote for triggering an iPhone/iPad camera and support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via USB-C.
– They will be available early next month in five colors and in over 30 countries and regions.
Apple has officially introduced the second generation of its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max 2, marking a significant update to the high-end audio lineup. The new model arrives with a suite of enhanced features centered on superior sound, smarter noise control, and innovative connectivity tools, all powered by the company’s latest H2 chip. Priced at $549, the headphones will be available for pre-order starting March 25 in a range of new colors including midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue, with general availability scheduled for early next month.
A core improvement lies in the advanced active noise cancellation system. Apple states the new ANC is up to 1.5 times more effective at blocking unwanted sound compared to the original model. This is complemented by an intelligent Adaptive Audio feature that automatically fine-tunes the balance between noise cancellation and ambient sound transparency based on the user’s environment, aiming to deliver an optimized listening experience throughout the day.
Transparency mode has also been refined to sound more natural. This upgrade is credited to a new digital signal processing algorithm designed specifically for the H2 chip and the headphone’s microphone array, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings without sacrificing audio quality. For communication, the AirPods Max 2 introduces a practical Live Translation feature for real-time, in-person conversations across different languages, alongside voice isolation technology that uses computational audio to clearly prioritize the user’s voice during calls by minimizing background noise.
On the audio fidelity front, the headphones boast a new high-dynamic-range amplifier for cleaner sound reproduction. Spatial Audio receives meaningful enhancements, with improved instrument localization, a more powerful bass response, and natural-sounding mids and highs. Lossless audio support is also included, capable of delivering 24-bit, 48 kHz quality when the headphones are connected via the included USB-C cable.
Creators and professionals gain new capabilities as well. The integrated microphone system is touted to capture higher-quality audio with a more natural vocal texture, suitable for interviews, podcasts, or singing. A novel Camera Remote function allows users to control their iPhone or iPad camera from a distance; a press of the Digital Crown can trigger the shutter, start video recording, or stop it within the native Camera app or compatible third-party applications.
Further protecting hearing, a Loud Sound Reduction feature helps shield users from sudden, loud environmental noises without distorting the audio they are actively listening to. The AirPods Max 2 will see a wide release, available in more than 30 countries and regions upon launch.
(Source: TechCrunch)
