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For many people, they are the world’s best way to listen to music, with Apple bringing the best-in-class in over-ear headphones — and the AirPods Max 2 are finally here.
A refreshed model of the AirPods Max 2 is available from September 20, 2024, in a new range of colors and USB-C for charging.
Aficionados will lament the lack of a new H2 audio chip or a new charging case, but these missing features will do little to dispel the fantastic listening experience and Apple magic.
Here is everything you need to know about the newly refreshed AirPods Max — and some thoughts about what we want from a true AirPods Max 2.
When Will AirPods Max 2 Come Out?
We called it — while the AirPods Max 2 was kept in Apple’s usual secrecy, a refresh was unveiled during Apple’s Glowtime event on September 9.
Now, in our eyes, this is not a true successor to the original AirPods Max but more of a revamp to bring the headphones up to a 2024 standard.
AirPods Max 2 Price
The AirPods Max 2 costs $549 (￡499), and we are a little disappointed that the price remains high for a technology that has not advanced since December 2020.
However, this still places Apple’s premium headphones competitively against other top models from Bose, JBL, and Sennheiser — and Apple knows it.
Is This a True AirPods Max 2?
We expect Apple to refer to the new model simply as AirPods Max, or AirPods Max 2nd generation. Effectively, these are a refresh rather than a true successor. Perhaps we will see a true AirPods Max 2 model next year.
For now, consider these an updated version of the original model.
What 1st Gen Issues Do the AirPods Max 2 Fix?
Issues with 1st generation AirPods Max:
- Carrying Case Design: Widely criticized for lack of functionality, minimal protection, and inability to cover the headband.
- Heavy and Uncomfortable: The headphones are considered ridiculously heavy, leading to discomfort when worn for several hours.
- Proprietary Lightning Connector: The use of Lightning instead of the universal USB-C connector feels outdated.
Fixes in the new AirPods Max model:
- USB-C Integration: Will have USB-C for a more universal connection standard.
Now, it’s up to you to decide whether this is worth an upgrade.
AirPods Max 2 Tech, Specs & Features
One thing is certain: to comply with European Union laws, the new AirPods Max 2 needed to have a USB-C connector instead of a Lightning-based connector.
This connector is designed for European users to charge all mobile devices with a single charger — specifically, a USB Type-C port. While it is not mandatory in all parts of the world, making one model for the world makes sense from a manufacturing, cost, and branding perspective, even if Apple only grudgingly accepts the EU’s legislation.
The AirPods Max 2 complies — if you live on USB-C only, the headphones will fit into your life.
The AirPods Max arrive in five new colors? — midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple.
There is no lower-cost strategy when introducing new-generation tech models than throwing in a couple of new colors.
Would we have liked to see more from the refresh? Yes — but we not immune to the charms of the new Airpods Max colors.
What AirPods Max Got Wrong
We Hoped for a New Crown Dial
The first and only AirPods Max — released in December 2020 — led to an interesting follow-up patent, which we hoped would arrive this time round.
The original AirPods Max had a ‘Digital Crown’ as the main control center, an Apple concept that is also key in the design of the Apple Watch.
In the original AirPods Max, the digital crown is turned and pressed like a button to perform various actions, such as playing or stopping music, unmuting users on calls, ending calls or skipping through songs, and controlling the volume.
However, the Apple patent application number 20220038820 shows a new idea — using several components to deliver gesture processing and touch-sensitive surfaces. If this patent is applied in a future model, the headset will have a touch-sensitive surface, sensors, at least one processor, memory storage, and new software.
Users could simply make gestures or tap on a specific surface to do various things, such as summoning Siri, turning up the volume, or ignoring a call.
No H2 Chip
The current generation of AirPods Max is powered by dual H1 chips, with one chip housed in each ear cup. This setup contrasts with Apple’s subsequent adoption of the H2 chip in the second generation of the AirPods Pro. The H2 chip is recognized for significantly improving audio processing, energy efficiency, and overall performance.
Integrating the H2 chip into the AirPods Max 2 would have elevated the device’s capabilities, aligning it with the latest technological standards set by its in-ear counterparts.
This upgrade would be an attractive technical enhancement and a strategic move to maintain consistency across Apple’s range of audio products.
But alas, it looks like Apple has not updated the internals other than hooking up a USB-C port.
What would a true Max 2 successor with H2 offer?
- Adaptive Noise Control: This feature blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. It allows?users to remain immersed in their music but still be aware of changing sounds around them.
- Personalized Volume Allows AirPods users to tweak the media volume based on environmental conditions and volume preferences. Interestingly, the technology can learn a user’s listening preferences to fine-tune settings better?depending on the situation.
- Conversational Awareness: Detects when a user is talking to someone while wearing AirPods. It automatically lowers the volume seamlessly and enhances the voices in front of the user. When the tech detects the conversation is over, it automatically turns up the volume and returns to set noise control settings.
Other feature enhancements that the H2 can optimize include Spatial Audio, which the AirPods Max already offers thanks to tiny gyroscopes and sensors that feed into a dynamic head-tracking system to adapt sound.
Same Old AirPods Max Case
If there is one thing users have complained about the AirPods Max, it is its case. Complaints about the case range from its aesthetic design to the fact that it does not house the entire headset (and therefore does not fully protect the headphones) and issues related to battery charging.
Conversely, AirPods Pro fans love that their AirPods and the case are dust, sweat, and water-resistant. However, the AirPods Max 2 does not offer these protections.
Rebuilding the Max 2 headset to be water and dust-resistant would require a significant and costly design change. It looks like Apple has passed on that for now.
The Bottom Line
Call this a mixed success — we are glad to see new AirPods Max arrive but we are a little underwhelmed that it is largely a fresh lick of paint.
USB-C charging is an advantage to those who are ready to ditch the Lightning connector, and perhaps we will see sales on the original model.
But we hope that, behind the scenes, Apple is listening to fans who want a new case and an H2 chip to make the AirPods Max range the ones to beat.
