AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Here’s everything new

Today Apple launched the long-awaited AirPods Max 2. Here’s a comparison of all the differences between AirPods Max 2 and previous AirPods Max models with USB-C and lightning.

H2 vs H1: More than just a ‘chip bump’

AirPods Max 2 and the previous AirPods Max are similar in many ways. They have the same design, they weigh the same, they offer the same 20 hours of battery life, the same Smart Case, and Apple has also used the same colors as the USB-C model of AirPods Max 2.

But there is one major internal change that unlocks a much improved overall experience.

AirPods Max 2 has an H2 chip, while previous AirPods Max models use H1.

For an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, a more powerful chip simply means your device runs faster.

But with AirPods Max 2, H2 opens up a big improvement: better sound quality when paired with a new amplifier, improved features like ANC and transparency mode, and a long list of brand new features in AirPods Max.

Be careful: The previous AirPods Max with USB-C and the original AirPods Max with lightning are almost identical except for the port. So unless otherwise stated, all AirPods Max 2 comparisons below apply to both the classic USB-C and Lightning models.

AirPods Max 2 sound experience: New amplifier, better ANC and Transparency

Sound quality is the most important aspect of headphones, but it can also be difficult to measure. In Apple’s press release, for example, it says that the AirPods Max 2 have “superior sound quality.” But what does that mean?

Here are the details that Apple shared about the improved sound quality in AirPods Max 2:

AirPods Max 2 features a new dynamic range amplifier for even clearer sound while maintaining the incredible sound signature of AirPods Max. Spatial audio content sounds better than ever, with improved localization of instruments, more accurate and consistent bass response, and natural sounding mids and highs.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode get improvements that are easy to understand.

For ANC, Apple says the AirPods Max 2 offer “up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation” than previous AirPods Max models. That alone can be a huge selling point for many potential developers.

As for the transparency mode, Apple says it sounds even more natural on AirPods Max 2 thanks to “a new digital signal processing algorithm optimized for the H2.”

The new H2 features are only available with AirPods Max 2

For years, Apple has been gradually adding new features to AirPods Pro models and AirPods that include the H2 chip. But the AirPods Max always missed out on those enhancements as they were limited to the H1.

Now with the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 unlocks a host of new features not available in previous AirPods Max models.

For example, you can just say “Siri” on AirPods Max 2 to ask for the assistant. With the original AirPods Max, you have to say “Hey Siri.”

Here’s the full list of other new features, via Apple’s press release:

• Adaptive Audio: Adjusts ANC and Transparency levels in response to the environment automatically to improve the sound experience.
• Conversational Awareness: Helps reduce the volume of content and reduce background noise when the user starts talking to someone nearby.
• Live Translation: Powered by Apple Intelligence, it helps users communicate across languages ​​manually.
• Voice Classification: Uses advanced computer audio enabled by H2 to prioritize voice during calls, while blocking background noise.
• Camera remote control: Users can capture content remotely by pressing the Digital Crown to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad.
• Studio quality audio recording: Allows interviewers, podcasters, musicians, and other creators to record their content with high-quality audio and natural voice acting.
• Great Noise Reduction: Helps users prevent exposure to loud ambient noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to.
• Personal volume: Automatically fine-tunes users’ listening experience based on their preferences over time.
• Siri interaction: Allow users to easily and privately respond to Siri announcements by simply nodding yes or shaking their head no.

If you have used AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods 4 with ANC, you will know these features. But they weren’t available on AirPods Max until the new model.

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: small details and wraps

To wrap up, there are a few other minor precautions to be aware of:

• If you’re upgrading from the original AirPods Max with Lightning, the AirPods Max 2 will also offer USB-C for the first time with support for lossless 24-bit, 48 kHz audio over a wired USB-C connection.
• AirPods Max 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, while the previous AirPods Max were limited to Bluetooth 5.0.

All in all, AirPods Max 2 offer a variety of interesting improvements than before – both the original Lightning model and the USB-C version.

With better sound quality, ANC, Transparency, and support for features such as Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, Siri Interactions, just saying “Siri,” and more—there’s a lot that could inspire an upgrade.

Will you be upgrading to AirPods Max 2? If so, are you currently using the Lightning or USB-C model? Let us know in the comments.

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