AirPods Max 2 are here. Apple’s update of its over-the-ear headphones has been rumored for a long time, and has finally arrived. The AirPods Max 2 comes with some significant improvements and updates, bringing over many features from the AirPods Pro 3. Read on to find out what’s new with the AirPods Max.
Availability & Pricing
- AirPods Max 2 start at $529.
- Pre-orders begin March 25.
- Apple did not give an exact release date but the AirPods Max 2 will be released in April.
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New Features
Image Credit: Apple
Like the previous iteration of the AirPods Max, the AirPods Max 2 include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Apple claims that the new H2 chip provides improved ANC, blocking out sounds as loud as airplane engines. The new chip also improves Transparency mode, which pipes in environmental sounds so that you can stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music.
Apple is also bringing over a variety of features from AirPods Pro 3:
- Adaptive Audio will intelligently adjust the volume of the AirPods Max 2 based on the noise levels around you, while Conversational Awareness will automatically lower the volume if you start speaking to someone.
- Live Translation, which requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled device, provides real-time translation when someone starts speaking to you in another language.
- Voice Isolation will reduce ambient sounds and enhance your voice during phone calls.
- Loud Sound Reduction can lower the volume of your environment to protect your hearing.
- Personalized volume learns your volume habits and automatically adjusts the volume of your AirPods for you.
- Siri Interactions allow you to respond to Siri by simply nodding your head for "yes" and shaking your head for "no."
- You’ll also be able to use the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max 2 as a camera shutter button to snap photos with your iPhone remotely, similarly to the Apple Watch.
Are AirPods Max 2 Worth It?
As with most tech products, the worth of the AirPods Max 2 is very subjective and depends entirely on you. If you currently have the previous generation of the AirPods Max, this new model seems like it would be a worthwhile upgrade. If you don’t have the original AirPods Max and you're in the market for a pair of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max 2 would certainly be a worthwhile investment. If you have the standard, in-ear AirPods or AirPods Pro, it really just depends on whether you would rather have headphones that go over your ears rather than in them. Once you have your new headphones, find out how to pair AirPods Max to your iPhone.
