Apple has finally announced AirPods Max 2. It’s been more than five years since the release of the original headphones with only a minor USB-C update in 2024. Although if you’re like me, a major update from lightning.
So what’s new?
Apple says AirPods Max 2 brings better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), elevated sound quality, and intelligent features. Powered by the H2 chip (same as the AirPods 3 Pro) the new headphones has improved features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. The new AirPods Max also unlock creative possibilities for podcasters, musicians, and content creators, with useful features like studio-quality audio recording and camera remote.
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting 26 March in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue, with availability beginning 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,” said Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing.
“The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed — and when combined with capabilities like Personalised Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience.”
For the highest-quality audio across music, movies, and games, the new AirPods Max support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with the included USB-C cable. Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio enable music creators to fully utilise AirPods Max throughout their entire professional workflow on Logic Pro and other music creation apps. Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max are the only headphones that let musicians both create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.
Reduced wireless audio latency also makes gaming even better. For those using AirPods Max 2 and playing in Game Mode, iOS, macOS, and iPadOS games feel even more responsive and immersive.
Features
- Adaptive Audio adjusts the levels of ANC and Transparency in response to the environment automatically to optimise the audio experience.
- Conversation Awareness helps lower content volume and reduce background noise when a user starts speaking to someone nearby.
- Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, helps users communicate across languages in person.
- Voice Isolation uses advanced computational audio powered by H2 to prioritise the voice during calls, while blocking out ambient noise.
- With camera remote, users can capture content at a distance by pressing the Digital Crown to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad.
- Studio-quality audio recording allows interviewers, podcasters, singers, and other creators to record their content with higher-quality audio and more natural vocal texture.
- Loud Sound Reduction helps users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to.
- Personalised Volume automatically fine-tunes the listening experience for users based on their preferences over time.2
- Siri Interactions allow users to conveniently and privately respond to Siri announcements by simply nodding their head yes or gently shaking their head no.
Environment
AirPods Max 2 are made with 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100 per cent recycled polyester in the ear cushion, and 100 per cent recycled gold plating and tin solder in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards. The paper packaging is 100 per cent fibre-based and can be easily recycled.
Pricing and Availability
- AirPods Max 2 can be ordered from Thursday, 26 March, on apple.com/au/store and in the Apple Store app. They will arrive to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations, beginning early next month.
- AirPods Max 2 start at A$999.
