Apple introduces smarter, better, AirPods Max 2
Six years since the original release (though there were some small improvements two years ago) Apple today announced AirPods Max 2, promising the new headphones will deliver much better sound quality and improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
“The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed — and when combined with capabilities like Personalized Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience,” said Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing in a press release.
Better processor brings new powers
The big new thing in these pans is the inclusion of the new H2 chip.
That’s the processor which delivers better audio, and also means you gain AirPods Pro features including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. These headphones also aim at the ‘influencer’ scene, with built in tools such as studio-quality audio recording and camera remote.
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order starting March 25 in midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue, with availability beginning early next month. The price is $549.
Easy listening
Apple says the ANC is up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation, so you can blank out your audio surroundings. Transparency sounds even more natural so users can stay aware of their environment and those around them.
AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for even 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. They also 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 utilize 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 Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.
Reduced wireless audio latency also makes gaming even better.
Now with new features
The H2 chip supports numerous new features:
- Adaptive Audio adjusts the levels of ANC and Transparency in response to the environment automatically to optimize the audio experience.2
- Conversation Awareness helps lower content volume and reduce background noise when a user starts speaking to someone nearby.2
- Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence,3 helps users communicate across languages in person.4
- Voice Isolation uses advanced computational audio powered by H2 to prioritize the voice during calls, while blocking out ambient noise.2
- 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.5
- Loud Sound Reduction helps users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to.
- Personalized 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.
AirPods Max 2 are made with 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, 100 percent recycled polyester in the ear cushion, and 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards. The paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and can be easily recycled.
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