Apple announces the AirPods Max 2 with improved noise cancelation and H2 chip

"Inside is the H2 chip that Apple first introduced with the AirPods Pro 2, which enables a host of new features. Chief among those is improved noise cancelation - Apple says with the H2 and improved audio algorithms, the AirPods Max 2 are 1.5 times more effective at reducing noise than the old model."

"These include an "Adaptive Audio" mode that balances between transparency and ANC modes depending on the environment so you can hear things when you need to while still blocking extraneous noise. Similarly, the conversation awareness features lower the volume of your content and increase transparency when you're speaking."

"Essentially, the AirPods Max 2 now have almost all the features you'll find in the AirPods Pro 3, just in an over-ear design. What hasn't changed is the price - AirPods Max 2 still cost $549, notably more than most of the competition."

Apple announced the AirPods Max 2, the first significant update to its over-ear headphones since 2020. The new model retains the original's design with large colorful earcups but incorporates the H2 chip from AirPods Pro 2. Key improvements include noise cancellation that is 1.5 times more effective, a new amplifier for clearer audio and enhanced spatial performance, and lossless music support via USB-C cable. New features enabled by the H2 chip include Adaptive Audio mode that balances transparency and noise cancellation based on environment, conversation awareness that adjusts volume during speech, and Live Translation for real-time language translation. The AirPods Max 2 now feature nearly all capabilities found in AirPods Pro 3 in an over-ear format, though the price remains $549.

Read at Engadget