On March 16, Apple officially released the new generation of headset AirPods Max 2. The new product basically follows the previous generation scheme in terms of appearance design, but has been significantly upgraded in terms of chip and audio functions. The core highlights include the replacement of the H2 chip, stronger active noise reduction, more natural transparency mode, improved spatial audio performance, and a series of new intelligent functions such as adaptive audio, dialogue awareness, voice isolation and real-time translation.
Thanks to the H2 chip and upgraded computational audio algorithms, Apple said that the active noise reduction effect of AirPods Max 2 is up to 1.5 times higher than the previous generation, providing more obvious noise suppression in noisy environments. In terms of transparency mode, the new product is also closer to the natural listening experience in the restoration of environmental sounds, aiming to minimize the discomfort caused by electroacoustic processing while maintaining a sense of security and environmental perception.
In terms of sound quality performance, AirPods Max 2 uses a new high dynamic range amplifier to achieve "cleaner" sound output and further optimize the presentation of spatial audio content. Officials say that spatial audio "sounds better than ever." At the same time, the new generation of products also reduces wireless audio transmission delays, which can theoretically bring better audio-visual synchronization performance in audio-visual entertainment and game scenarios.
AirPods Max 2 also adds a new camera remote control function. Users can remotely control Apple’s native camera app on iPhone or iPad and compatible third-party camera apps through the digital crown on the earphones to start and stop photo shooting or video recording, providing more convenient control methods for selfies, group photos, and long-distance shooting. In terms of wired audio, AirPods Max 2, like the previous AirPods Max equipped with a USB-C interface, supports 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio playback through the included USB-C cable.
In terms of sales information, AirPods Max 2 will be available for ordering through Apple.com in the United States and more than 30 countries and regions around the world starting on March 25 (Wednesday), and is scheduled to be officially launched in early April. In terms of color matching, options such as midnight color, starlight color, orange, purple and blue are still available, and the overall color combination remains consistent with the previous generation. In the U.S. market, AirPods Max 2 is priced the same as its predecessor, still priced at $549; the package continues to include a Smart Case with unchanged styling.