10 Sound Improvements in Apple’s new AirPods Max 2

Apple updated the AirPods Max today, and the biggest new addition is the H2 chip that replaces the H1 chip. The H2 chip has been used in AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 and later, but is new to AirPods Max. It brings many sound enhancements with the updated high dynamic range amplifier.

We have listed all the new audio features in AirPods Max according to Apple.

• Active Noise Cancellation – AirPods Max 2 has up to 1.5x more effective noise cancellation thanks to the powerful H2 chip and a new computer sound algorithm that detects and calculates external noise.
• Adaptive Audio – AirPods Max supports Adaptive Audio, adjusting the ANC level based on your location.
• Transparency – Apple says it uses a new digital signal processing algorithm built for the H2 and the AirPods Max microphone array to make Clarity sound natural. Your voice will sound real, as will other sounds. Transparency lets you hear what’s going on around you, with natural sound filtered through AirPods Max’s microphones.
• Great Noise Reduction – Adaptive Audio includes Advanced Noise Reduction and AirPods Max will automatically reduce loud environmental sounds such as lawnmowers or construction materials.
• Personal volume – Another adaptive sound feature, Personalized Volume learns volume preferences at different locations over time and adjusts automatically.
• Conversational Awareness – When you start talking, Conversation Awareness kicks in and lowers the volume of what you’re listening to while amplifying voices to hear the response. When you are done talking, the sound returns to its previous volume.
• High fidelity sound enhancement – Apple says the H2 chip and new variable-range amplifier provide more headroom to the driver, resulting in richer bass, more natural voices, and improved instrument localization. Users can expect more accurate and consistent bass as well as sound in the mids and highs.
• Dynamic EQ – Apple has restored the Adaptive EQ of the H2 chip, and the feature now extends to higher frequencies. Adaptive EQ uses internal microphones to sample what you’re hearing, adjusting playback in real time. According to Apple, users will get a consistent listening experience across different fits, movements, and ear geometry.
• Voice Classification – Voice Isolation separates your voice from noisy environments so people can hear you when you’re on the phone. Voice Isolation also allows creators to capture high-quality voices.
• Reduced wireless audio latency – Apple says latency is lower with the H2 chip in AirPods Max 2. AirPods Max supports Bluetooth 5.3, up from Bluetooth 5.0 in the previous model.

There are other features enabled by the H2 chip that aren’t tied directly to audio, such as Live translation, remote camera operation, and the option to activate Siri without using “Hey.” AirPods Max 2 also has all the other features of the original AirPods Max, such as customized surround sound, quick pairing, device switching, and more.

Apple hasn’t made any other design changes to the AirPods Max, and the overall fit and look haven’t been updated. Compared to AirPods Pro 3, the biggest advantage of AirPods Max is lossless sound. With a wired USB-C connection to the device, AirPods Max offers lossless 24-bit 48kHz audio, which AirPods Pro can’t match.

AirPods Max are priced at $549, and Apple plans to accept pre-orders on Wednesday, March 25. The launch will follow in early April, but Apple has not given an exact date yet.