Apple Unveils New AirPods: This Upgrade Is Totally Unexpected
Apple unexpectedly announced a new model of its popular AirPods. While little has changed on the outside, this update to the well-known headphones brings a number of features that the previous model lacked. Check out what’s new.
The AirPod family is popular beyond mere Apple users. Now, there is a surprising update to a model that hardly anyone, even in the Apple ecosystem, expected. While most users are familiar with in-ear headphones, there are also AirPods Max. This over-ear model resides at the higher end of the price scale. This does not change with the new version. In contrast to the minimal update in September 2024, which mainly included a USB-C connection, there is now a number of new features.
AirPods Max 2: Update Apple’s Way
Inside the new AirPods Max 2 is Apple’s own H2 chip, which has already been used in the AirPods Pro for some time. This chip is also responsible for the new and improved functions of the over-ear headphones. For example, the company promises “1.5 times more effective” Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This means that disturbing ambient noise, such as that in an airplane or on a train, can be reduced to a greater extent.
Another new feature is the “Adaptive Audio“, a familiar feature since the AirPods Pro 2. The headphones react automatically to ambient noise and reduce it in a targeted manner. The new feature also works in conjunction with conversation detection, which was also missing from the predecessor. As with the predecessor, the connection to the smartphone or laptop is made either via Bluetooth or USB-C. The latter is also used to charge the headphones.
Apple naturally promises improved sound with this new update. The iPhone manufacturer also spoke about “studio-quality audio recordings”. Thanks to reduced latency, the headphones should also be better suited for gaming.
Another feature that the old over-ear headphones lacked is live translation. This is now also possible with the AirPods Max 2. It theoretically allows you to have conversations without language barriers, although it remains to be seen how effective it’d be. The new voice isolation was also designed to deliver better voice quality to the other person during phone calls or FaceTime calls. Ambient noise in your vicinity is suppressed while your voice is prioritized.
As with the AirPods Pro, the Max 2 recognizes your head movements. This allows you to respond to Siri requests by nodding or shaking your head. The Digital Crown can now also be used as a remote camera control for taking photos.
No Changes to Accessories and Battery Life
While the internal components and features have been brought up to AirPods Pro levels in many ways, some criticisms still apply to the AirPods Max 2. For instance, there is no new case. The well-known “protection” still needs improvement, as many parts of the headphones remain unprotected. When closed, the over-ear models are also still quite large, and Apple does not allow them to be more compact when folded.
Apple stated the AirPods Max 2 have a battery life of up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation. The new headphones are available in blue, purple, midnight, starlight, and orange colors. They can be pre-ordered from March 25 at $549 a pop. Deliveries will begin at the beginning of April. Apple has not yet furnished a more precise date.
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