In a surprise announcement on Monday, Apple introduced the AirPods Max 2, the anticipated successor to its premium headphones first released in 2020.
The Max 2 is priced at $549 and boasts active noise cancellation, Apple’s audio-specific H2 chip, live translation capabilities, improved sound quality, and more. Pre-orders begin on March 25, with availability expected early next month. Available colors include midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.
Apple states the new headphones have an active noise cancellation (ANC) feature that is 1.5x more effective than the previous model. The Adaptive Audio feature automatically adjusts ANC and Transparency levels according to the user’s environment to enhance the listening experience.
Transparency mode has become more natural, thanks to a new digital signal-processing algorithm optimized for the H2 chip and the microphone array, allowing users to be more aware of their surroundings and nearby people.
The headphones provide Live Translation for in-person communication across languages and include voice isolation, using advanced computational audio to prioritize the user’s voice on calls and block ambient noise.
The AirPods Max 2 includes a new high-dynamic-range amplifier for cleaner audio, with improved Spatial Audio for better instrument localization, bass response, and natural mids and highs.
They also support a Camera Remote feature, which allows users to trigger the iPhone or iPad’s camera shutter remotely. Users can use the Digital Crown to take a photo or start and stop video recordings in the Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on iPhone or iPad.
Additionally, the headphones feature Loud Sound Reduction to protect users from loud environmental noise while maintaining the sound quality of the audio. The built-in microphone enables higher-quality audio capture for creators like interviewers, podcasters, and singers.
The AirPods Max 2 also support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio with the included USB-C cable.
The AirPods Max 2 will be available in over 30 countries and regions.