Following a slew of product announcements two weeks earlier, from the iPhone 17e to its first entry-level MacBook, Apple has revealed another trick up its sleeve. The AirPods Max 2 is set to arrive with an H2 chip upgrade, coming five years after its predecessor, that offers improved noise cancelling, audio performance, and smart features.
The over-the-ear design remains unchanged, but users can expect 1.5x more effective Active Noise Cancellation, according to the Cupertino giant, and an enhanced Transparency Mode, allowing them hear their surroundings to while listening to music. The headphones also support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected with a USB-C cable, and boast a new dynamic range amplifier to cleaner audio, as well as reduced wireless audio latency.
Courtesy of the H2 processor, which powers the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 now includes intelligent features such as Siri head gestures, Camera Remote, Loud Sound Reduction, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Conversation Awareness, and Personalised Volume. While unsurprising, the iterative changes can come across as a little underwhelming, especially after a five-year gap.
The next-generation AirPods Max will retail for the same S$749 as before, and come in five colour options: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue. Pre-order opens on 25 March, and availability begins in early April.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
HSALS
