Apple AirPods Max 2
The Verge • • technology
Key Points:
- The AirPods Max 2, priced at $549, offer significant audio improvements over the original, including a new built-in amplifier, upgraded H2 chip, and enhanced noise cancellation that rivals top competitors like Sony and Bose.
- Despite the internal upgrades, the design remains unchanged from the first generation, retaining issues such as heaviness (385 grams), lack of a power button, and a poor-quality, non-protective case.
- The H2 chip enables new features like adaptive audio, conversation awareness, live translation, and personalized volume, but many of these functionalities are limited or unavailable when used with non-Apple devices.
- The headphones integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem through fast pairing, Siri support, auto device switching, and spatial audio, but their high price and weight, along with a subpar carrying case, make them less appealing compared to lighter, more affordable alternatives from Sony and Bose.
- While the AirPods Max 2 are a worthy upgrade for existing first-generation owners, especially those within the Apple ecosystem, they may not be the best choice for most users due to their cost, weight, and lack of design improvements.
