Apple today announced AirPods Max 2, bringing improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), elevated sound quality and new intelligent features to the over-ear headphones. Powered by the H2 chip, features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation and Live Translation arrive on AirPods Max for the first time.
The new AirPods Max also introduce creative capabilities for podcasters, musicians and content creators, including studio-quality audio recording and camera remote functionality.
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting 25 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.”
Active Noise Cancellation Gets Even Better
Thanks to the H2 chip and new computational audio algorithms, AirPods Max 2 deliver ANC that is up to 1.5 times more effective than the previous generation. This reduces even more background noise — such as airplane engines or commuter trains — allowing users to focus on music, calls or work.
A new digital signal processing algorithm optimised for H2 and the AirPods Max microphone array also improves Transparency mode, making surrounding sounds feel more natural while keeping users aware of their environment.
Highest-Fidelity Listening Experience
AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier designed to deliver cleaner audio while maintaining the sound signature of the original AirPods Max. Spatial Audio content benefits from improved localisation of instruments, more accurate bass response and clearer mids and highs.
For higher-quality audio across music, movies and games, AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected using the included USB-C cable.
Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio allow creators to use AirPods Max throughout their workflow on Logic Pro and other music production apps. Using the USB-C cable, AirPods Max are the only headphones that allow musicians to both create and mix using Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.
Reduced wireless audio latency also enhances gaming experiences, making gameplay feel more responsive and immersive when used with Game Mode on iOS, macOS and iPadOS.
Intelligent Features Come To AirPods Max
The H2 chip introduces several intelligent features designed to make AirPods Max 2 more convenient and responsive to everyday situations.
Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts the balance between ANC and Transparency depending on the surrounding environment.
Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of content and reduces background noise when users begin speaking with someone nearby.
Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, helps users communicate across languages in face-to-face conversations.
Voice Isolation uses computational audio to prioritise the user’s voice during calls while reducing ambient noise.
With camera remote, users can capture photos or start and stop video recording by pressing the Digital Crown when using the Camera app or compatible third-party apps on iPhone or iPad.
Studio-quality audio recording enables creators such as podcasters, interviewers and musicians to record clearer, more natural-sounding vocals.
Additional features include Loud Sound Reduction to limit exposure to loud environmental noise while maintaining audio clarity, Personalised Volume that adapts listening levels over time based on user preferences and Siri interactions that allow users to respond to announcements with simple head gestures.
AirPods Max 2 And The Environment
Apple says AirPods Max 2 were designed with sustainability in mind as part of its Apple 2030 initiative to become carbon neutral across its entire footprint.
The headphones use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100 percent recycled polyester in the ear cushions and 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder in Apple-designed printed circuit boards. The packaging is also fully fibre-based and recyclable.
Pricing And Availability
AirPods Max 2 are coming soon to customers in Malaysia.
AirPods Max 2 start at RM2,299.
