Apple Introduces AirPods Max 2 with H2 and Improved ANC; RM2299

Apple has announced the AirPods Max 2, bringing the H2 chip to its over-ear headphones alongside a handful of new features and improvements to noise cancellation and sound quality.

Apple claims ANC performance is up to 1.5 times more effective than the previous generation thanks to H2 and updated computational audio algorithms. Transparency mode also gets a rework with a new digital signal processing algorithm, which Apple says results in a more natural ambient sound presentation.

On the audio front, the AirPods Max 2 gain a new high dynamic range amplifier for cleaner playback, along with improvements to Spatial Audio including better instrument localisation, more consistent bass and more natural mids and highs.

For wired use, the headphones now support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio over the included USB-C cable, which also enables ultra-low latency monitoring for music production workflows in Logic Pro and other compatible apps.

The H2 chip also unlocks several features previously unavailable on AirPods Max. Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances ANC and Transparency levels based on the surrounding environment, makes the jump from the AirPods Pro.

A new Studio-quality audio recording feature promises higher fidelity vocal capture for podcasters and interviewers, while a camera remote function lets users trigger photo and video capture on a paired iPhone or iPad using the Digital Crown.

Other additions include Loud Sound Reduction, Personalised Volume, and Siri Interactions, the latter lets users respond to Siri announcements with a nod or a head shake rather than speaking aloud.

The AirPods Max 2 will be available to order from 25 March in Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple and Blue, with availability beginning early next month. Pricing in Malaysia starts at RM2,299.