Apple on Tuesday introduced AirPods Max 2, an updated version of its over-ear headphones featuring enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and new intelligent functions.
The new AirPods Max are powered by the H2 chip and aim to improve audio quality and user experience through features like Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. This release targets a broad consumer base while also introducing tools for content creators.
AirPods Max 2 will be available for order starting March 25, in various colors including midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue. Availability in retail channels is scheduled for early next month.
“With the incredible performance of H2, AirPods Max are upgraded with up to 1.5x more effective ANC for the ultimate all-day listening experience,” stated Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing. Treski added that the sound quality is “remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed.”
The updated ANC capabilities are attributed to the H2 chip and new computational audio algorithms, resulting in active noise cancellation that is up to 1.5 times more effective than the previous generation.
Sound quality enhancements include a new high dynamic range amplifier and support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable.
New intelligent features enabled by the H2 chip include Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts ANC and Transparency levels, and Conversation Awareness, which lowers content volume during speech. Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, facilitates in-person communication across languages, and Voice Isolation prioritizes the user’s voice during calls.
For creators, the AirPods Max 2 offer studio-quality audio recording and a camera remote function for capturing content with an iPhone or iPad.
Apple states that AirPods Max 2 are constructed with 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100% recycled polyester in the ear cushions, and 100% recycled gold plating and tin solder in the circuit boards.
The AirPods Max 2 will start at $549 in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries and regions. New subscribers may receive three months of Apple Music free with the purchase of AirPods Max 2.
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