10 Audio Improvements in Apple's New AirPods Max 2
Apple today released an update to its AirPods Max, with the most notable addition being the H2 chip, which replaces the H1 chip. The H2 chip was previously used in the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and later models, but it's new to the AirPods Max. This chip offers several audio improvements along with an updated high dynamic range amplifier.
Here's a list of all the new audio features in the AirPods Max, according to Apple:
Active Noise Cancellation:
The AirPods Max 2 feature up to 1.5 times more effective active noise cancellation thanks to the more powerful H2 chip and a new computational audio algorithm that detects and processes external sounds.
Adaptive Sound:
The AirPods Max support Adaptive Sound, which automatically adjusts the level of active noise cancellation based on the surrounding environment.
Adaptive Sound:
The AirPods Max support Adaptive Sound, which automatically adjusts the level of active noise cancellation based on the surrounding environment. Transparency: Apple says it uses a new digital signal processing algorithm, specifically designed for the H2 and AirPods Max microphone array, to make Transparency sound more natural. Your voice will sound more realistic, as will other sounds. Transparency lets you hear what's going on around you while filtering out ambient noise through the AirPods Max microphones.
Loud Volume Reduction: Adaptive audio includes a Loud Volume Reduction feature. AirPods Max automatically reduces the volume of loud ambient sounds, such as lawnmowers or construction equipment.
Personalized Volume: Another Adaptive audio feature is Personalized Volume, which learns your audio preferences in different environments over time and adjusts automatically.
Conversation Awareness: When a conversation starts, Conversation Awareness is activated. It lowers the volume of what you're listening to while raising the volume of other sounds so you can hear responses. When the conversation ends, the volume returns to its previous level.
Conversation Awareness:
High-Resolution Audio Enhancements - Apple says the H2 chip and new high dynamic range amplifier provide a wider dynamic range for the headphones, resulting in richer bass, more natural vocals, and better instrument positioning. Users can expect more accurate and consistent bass, as well as more natural mids and highs.
Adaptive EQ:
Apple has recalibrated the adaptive equalizer for the H2 chip, and this feature now extends to higher frequencies. The adaptive equalizer uses internal microphones to sample what you hear and adjusts playback in real time. According to Apple, users will get a more consistent listening experience regardless of the size, movement, or shape of their ear.
Noise Isolation:
Noise isolation isolates your voice in noisy environments so others can hear you during calls. It also allows creators to record high-quality vocals.
Reduced Wireless Audio Latency:
Apple says the latency is lower thanks to the H2 chip in the AirPods Max 2. The AirPods Max also support Bluetooth 5.3, compared to Bluetooth 5.0 in the previous model.
Other features powered by the H2 chip, which aren't directly related to audio, include real-time translation, remote camera control, and the ability to activate Siri without saying "Hey." The AirPods Max 2 retain all the other features of the original AirPods Max, such as spatial audio, quick pairing, device switching, and more.
Apple hasn't made any other design changes to the AirPods Max, and the overall look remains unchanged compared to the AirPods Pro 3. The AirPods Max's main advantage is its uncompressed audio quality. When connected to a device via a wired USB-C port, the AirPods Max deliver uncompressed 24-bit, 48kHz audio, a feature the AirPods Pro can't match.
The AirPods Max are priced at $549, and Apple plans to accept pre-orders on Wednesday, March 25, followed by a launch in early April, though Apple has not yet specified a date.