Apple drops a surprise AirPods Max 2 update

More than five years after the first generation arrived and 18 months after the perfunctory USB-C for Lightning swap, Apple has launched AirPods Max 2. 

The new headphones look the same, come in the same five colors, and have the same maligned Smart Case for the same $549. The only difference appears to be the inclusion of the H2 chip, which was introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 back in 2022. Like in that model, the H2 chip brings several overdue upgrades to AirPods Max 2, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and Voice Isolation.

Notably, Apple doesn’t list the AirPods Max as being compatible with its Hearing Health features, which can turn AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. The H2 chip does bring 1.5x improved Noise Cancellation and “more natural” Transparency mode.

The AirPods Max 2 also bring a new high-dynamic-range amplifier for “even cleaner audio.” They still support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when listening via USB-C, as well as Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. 

While AirPods Max 2 is a welcome update, it’s hard not to wish these were released in 2024, if not sooner. The inclusion of the H2 chip only catches them up to the 3-year-old AirPods Pro 2, and does little to correct the flaws in the original model. And based on the frequency of updates, this model could be on shelves until 2030.

But if you’ve been on the fence about buying a pair, now’s your chance. You can preorder them on March 25 for delivery “early next month.”