AirPods Max 2 details: Apple only changes the internals – slightly
When Apple makes major technical changes, the look is often tweaked too. This is not the case with the new top over-ears.
AirPods Max 2: No difference at first glance.
(Image: Apple)
Many a friend of Apple's noble AirPods Max might have looked bewildered when Apple unveiled the AirPods Max 2 yesterday, out of the blue and practically without prior rumors. And some who bought the USB-C variant in the fall of 2024 will even be annoyed they didn't wait. Because while the USB-C models brought no further innovations apart from the aforementioned port (and the ability to transmit Lossless Audio via USB-C), the AirPods Max 2 are a complete internal renovation. This seems all the more strange because the external design has remained the same. Even the available color options have not changed, so you can hardly distinguish the AirPods Max 2 from the AirPods Max USB-C.
Long-awaited H2 chip, but no new drivers
Why Apple chose this combination – old design with new internals – is not known. The situation is somewhat reminiscent of the new Studio Display XDR, which also retained the old look but is completely new inside, including the panel. It seems clear that many AirPods Max USB-C will soon end up on the used market. The innovations in the AirPods Max 2 are quite exciting. After all, Apple has kept the (high) price and not increased it.
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The AirPods Max 2 finally have the long-awaited H2 chip, which has been used in AirPods Pro earbuds since the second generation (from 2022). This enables, among other things, better noise cancellation (ANC), features like Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Audio, Live Translation and Voice Isolation, plus Personalized Volume. Apple has apparently not touched the built-in acoustic hardware; neither the drivers nor the basic architecture are changing – with the exception of a new amplifier. However, you can now trigger videos or photos with the digital crown when the device is paired with an iPhone or iPad.
The AirPods Max 2 could have come sooner
The AirPods Max 2 leave you somewhat at a loss. The devices that are now appearing could easily have been launched by Apple in the fall of 2024. But at that time, only USB-C arrived and no new audio chip, although the former was likely also due to pressure from the EU Commission and its USB-C requirements.
The AirPods Max 2 can be pre-ordered from March 25th and will be released in early April. Apple continues to charge 579 euros – 20 euros less than the educational price for the MacBook Neo, by the way.
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