It"s been years since we saw the latest generation of Apple"s over-the-ear headphones. But now is the time, as Apple has finally launched the AirPods Max 2 after a big week of product launches this month, including the most repairable MacBook, the Studio Display XDR, the M5 MacBook Air, the iPhone 17e, the M4 iPad Air, and the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro/Max chips.
Apple chose to power the headphones with the H2 chip for each earcup, which we have already seen on its wireless earbuds, including the foam-infused AirPods Pro 3. The chip brings intelligent features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Loud Sound Reduction, Personalized Volume, and Siri Interactions.
These intelligent features are available for the first time on AirPods Max, Apple said. They are topped off with support for camera remote and studio-quality audio recording, making them ideal for podcasters, musicians, and content creators.
AirPods Max 2 comes with upgraded Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to deliver 1.5x more effective performance than its predecessor. Apple has added new computational algorithms to reduce more noise during phone calls or music sessions, such as that from airplane engines or commuter trains. Its new digital signal processing algorithm makes the Transparency mode sound more natural.
AirPods Max 2 continue with the 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, but add support for Bluetooth 5.3. Apple has fitted a new high dynamic range amplifier inside the AirPods Max 2 to deliver cleaner audio. "Spatial Audio content sounds better than ever, with improved localization of instruments, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs," the company said.
In line with its long-term goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, Apple said the new headphones are made with 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100% recycled polyester in the ear cushion, and 100% recycled gold plating and tin solder in the circuit boards. For the packaging, Apple used 100% recyclable fiber-based material.
The new wireless headphones carry forward the familiar AirPods Max design, weighing 386.2g (13.6 oz), and available in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue options. Apple said that AirPods Max will be available for pre-orders starting March 25 in the US and over 30 countries, at the same price of $549. The headphones will be available at Apple Stores from early next month.