After a long-awaited five years, the AirPods Max 2 have finally made their debut. While they do not dramatically alter the previous design or form factor, the inclusion of the new H2 chip introduces essential modern features that enhance the overall experience.

Having tested the AirPods Max 2 for six days, here are my insights on the latest iteration of Apple's premium headphones.

Available for $529 (down from the regular price of $549), the AirPods Max 2 offer a blend of familiarity and innovation.

What Remains Unchanged

Before exploring the new features, it’s crucial to note what remains unchanged in the AirPods Max 2. The design mirrors that of the original AirPods Max, with no alterations in weight or dimensions:

• Height: 7.37 inches (187.3 mm)
• Width: 6.64 inches (168.6 mm)
• Depth: 3.28 inches (83.4 mm)
• Weight: 13.6 ounces (386.2 grams)

As a regular user of the original AirPods Max since their release in December 2020, I find the design aesthetically pleasing. The aluminum ear cups integrate beautifully within the Apple ecosystem, while the stainless steel arms maintain a premium feel and easy adjustability.

However, if you found the original AirPods Max uncomfortable, the new version will likely not change your mind, as the design and fit remain identical.

One downside I’ve noticed is the inability to fold the AirPods Max 2, which makes them cumbersome to store in a bag. Unlike most other over-ear headphones, they require their “Smart Case” to enter an ultra-low-power state, which doesn’t provide the best storage solution for travel.

Similar to the original, the AirPods Max 2 maintain their interaction features, including the Digital Crown and a top button, with connectivity through a USB-C port, but they still lack a 3.5mm audio jack. Yet, you can enjoy 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via the included USB-C cable, marking a welcome shift away from the Lightning cable.

New Features of AirPods Max 2

The AirPods Max 2 introduce three significant hardware enhancements:

• The H2 chip replaces the previous H1 chip.
• A new high dynamic range amplifier.
• A new 5GHz wireless chip for improved audio latency.

According to Apple, the H2 chip, combined with advanced computational audio algorithms, allows for “up to 1.5x more effective” Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). In my experience, the ANC has indeed improved compared to the original AirPods Max, effectively blocking out more ambient noise.

For instance, during some recent landscaping work at my home, I found the original AirPods Max insufficient for blocking out the noise. However, the AirPods Max 2 excelled in this aspect, significantly reducing the disruptive sounds.

Looking ahead to my next flight, I hope the AirPods Max 2 will perform better than the original model, which often struggled with the cabin noise of airplane engines.

Interestingly, while the ANC has improved, the difference between the original AirPods Max and the new version might not be as pronounced as the enhancements seen in the AirPods Pro lineup. This could be attributed to the design differences between in-ear and over-ear headphones.

The H2 chip unlocks a range of new features:

• Adaptive Audio: Adjusts ANC and Transparency levels based on the environment.
• Conversation Awareness: Lowers volume and reduces background noise when the user speaks.
• Live Translation: Aids in communication between different languages.
• Voice Isolation: Enhances call quality by prioritizing the speaker's voice.
• Camera Remote: Allows users to capture photos and videos from a distance using the Digital Crown.
• Studio-Quality Audio Recording: Improves audio quality for creators.
• Loud Sound Reduction: Protects against loud noises while preserving sound quality.
• Personalized Volume: Adjusts sound levels based on user preferences.
• Siri Interactions: Enables users to respond to Siri by nodding or shaking their head.

These features, familiar to users of the AirPods Pro series, are now integrated into the AirPods Max for the first time, enhancing their functionality significantly.

Among these, Adaptive Audio stands out as a feature I missed with the original AirPods Max. It intelligently adapts the ANC and Transparency based on surroundings, making it a substantial upgrade in my experience.

The H2 chip also enhances overall performance and reliability, with quicker connectivity and more stable interactions with devices, contributing to a smoother user experience.

The high dynamic range amplifier promises cleaner audio while retaining the signature sound quality of the AirPods Max. While I noticed slight improvements in audio clarity, particularly in distinguishing different layers of sound, it’s not a drastic change that would solely justify an upgrade.

Final Thoughts

As a daily user of AirPods Max, I appreciate the improvements in the AirPods Max 2. Apple faced a decision to either properly update the product or risk discontinuing it, and they have chosen to enhance it meaningfully.

However, these updates will not sway those who disliked the original model, as the major criticisms regarding design and comfort still persist. For those on the fence, the AirPods Max 2 offer a better experience than their predecessors, but if you were hoping for a complete redesign, it might be best to look elsewhere.

Overall, I can now confidently recommend the AirPods Max 2 to users who appreciate the design and are willing to invest in a premium pair of headphones. With improved ANC, Adaptive Audio, and the overall enhancements from the H2 chip, the AirPods Max 2 represent a significant step forward.

The AirPods Max 2 are available for order now at $529, with initial shipments expected soon. Additionally, for those who find the AirPods Max not to their liking, the AirPods Pro 3 are currently on sale for $199.

Source: 9to5Mac News