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Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 with H2 Chip and Updated Features

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Apple Unveils AirPods Max 2 with H2 Chip, Enhanced Audio Features

The new model retains the previous design and price of $549 while incorporating the H2 chip, which enables new audio features and improvements to existing functions.

Apple has introduced the AirPods Max 2, an updated version of its over-ear headphones. Preorders begin March 25, with availability starting in early April.

Core Specifications and Availability

The AirPods Max 2 maintains the same exterior design, materials, and color options—Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight—as the USB-C version of the original model. The price remains $549.

  • Preorders: Begin Wednesday, March 25.
  • Availability: Expected to start in early April.

Key Upgrades: The H2 Chip

The primary internal change is the replacement of the H1 chip with the H2 chip, which is also used in other recent AirPods models. This upgrade provides increased processing power and enables several new software-based features.

Audio and Noise Control Features

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Apple states the H2 chip makes ANC up to 1.5 times more effective than the previous model, a result of increased processing speed and refined algorithms.
  • Transparency Mode: A new digital signal processing algorithm, designed for the H2 chip and the headphone's microphone array, aims to deliver more natural environmental and vocal sound.
  • Adaptive Audio: This feature dynamically blends ANC and Transparency modes based on the user's environment. It includes two sub-features:
    • Loud Sound Reduction: Automatically lowers the volume of harsh environmental noises.
    • Personalized Volume: Learns and adjusts volume preferences over time.
  • Conversation Awareness: When the user begins speaking, the feature automatically lowers media volume and amplifies voices, restoring the previous volume when the conversation ends.
  • Adaptive EQ: Retuned for the H2 chip, this feature uses inward-facing microphones to adjust audio playback in real time to provide a consistent listening experience across different fits and ear geometries.
  • High-Fidelity Audio: The combination of the H2 chip and a new high dynamic range amplifier is designed to offer richer bass, more natural vocals, and improved instrument localization. The headphones support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable.

Connectivity and Additional Features

  • Bluetooth: Upgraded from version 5.0 to 5.3.
  • Latency: Reduced wireless audio latency is reported, with a specific Game Mode mentioned for further latency reduction during gaming.
  • Voice Isolation: Enhances call clarity in noisy environments by isolating the user's voice.
  • Camera Remote: The Digital Crown can now be used to capture photos or start/stop video recording on a connected iPhone or iPad.
  • Live Translation: Utilizes the headphone's microphones to provide real-time translation of external speech.
  • Siri Interactions: Supports activation via head gestures and without the "Hey" trigger phrase.

The headphones retain all features from the original model, including personalized spatial audio, quick pairing, and automatic device switching.