Apple (AAPL) Stock: AirPods Max 2 Finally Arrives — Here’s What Changed

TLDR

• Apple launched AirPods Max 2 on Monday, nearly 5.5 years after the original
• The new headphones are powered by the H2 chip, the same used in AirPods Pro and AirPods 4
• ANC is up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation
• New features include Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Voice Isolation
• Pre-orders open March 25; price starts at $549

Apple announced the AirPods Max 2 on Monday, March 16, the first update to its over-ear headphones since the original launched in December 2020.

The new model is powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which already drives the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4. The upgrade brings a range of features to the Max lineup that were previously unavailable on the original model.

Apple says the new headphones deliver Active Noise Cancellation that is up to 1.5x more effective than the first generation. That improvement is driven by H2 and new computational audio algorithms.

The ANC upgrade targets everyday noise sources like airplane engines and commuter trains. Transparency mode has also been updated to sound more natural.

On audio quality, Apple added a new high dynamic range amplifier. The company says this improves clarity while keeping the same core sound profile as the original AirPods Max.

For the first time on AirPods Max, the new model supports 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio. This is available via the included USB-C cable.

New Features Arriving on AirPods Max for the First Time

Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation are all new to the Max lineup. These features have been available on the AirPods Pro since the second generation.

Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, lets users communicate across languages in real time. Voice Isolation blocks out ambient noise during calls using H2’s computational audio.

Conversation Awareness automatically lowers playback volume when the wearer starts speaking to someone nearby. Adaptive Audio adjusts ANC and Transparency levels based on the surrounding environment.

Two features target creators specifically. Studio-quality audio recording is designed for podcasters, interviewers, and musicians. Camera remote lets users trigger iPhone or iPad photos and video from the headphones using the Digital Crown.

The new AirPods Max also support gaming improvements. When used with Game Mode on iOS, macOS, or iPadOS, the headphones offer reduced audio latency.

Pricing, Colors, and Availability

AirPods Max 2 start at $549 in the United States. The original launched at $549 as well, putting the price point unchanged from the first generation.

The headphones come in five colors: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.

Pre-orders open on March 25 via Apple’s website and the Apple Store app. Availability in stores and for deliveries begins early April.

Apple also noted sustainability improvements. The AirPods Max 2 use 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets and 100% recycled polyester in the ear cushions.

New Apple Music subscribers can get three months free with the purchase of AirPods Max 2.

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