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Apple Discusses AirPods Max 2, Says H2 Chip Has More to Offer in Future

TechRadar's Jacob Krol recently sat down with Apple's VP of Platform Architecture Tim Millet and Director of Audio Product Marketing Eric Treski to discuss the AirPods Max 2, including the H2 chip and increased active noise cancellation.

airpods max 2024 colors
AirPods Max 2 have the same overall design as the previous generation, with most of the improvements coming from the upgrade to the H2 chip, including up to 1.5× more active noise cancellation, enhanced sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation.

Even still, Apple suggested that the H2 chip has more to offer, with future AirPods Max 2 firmware updates likely to unlock additional features.

"H2 is this platform that continues to demonstrate that it has continued headroom," said Millet.

Regarding the up to 1.5× more active noise cancellation, Apple said it is not a cherry-picked stat.

"We take that average at 1.5 times across an average of all frequencies," said Treski. "We're not cherry-picking individual frequencies or a certain range."

TechRadar's interview contains more comments from Millet and Treski, so be sure to check it out if you are interested in learning more.

AirPods Max 2 are available at Apple Stores and began arriving to customers starting today.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2
Tag: H2 Chip
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

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Top Rated Comments

ID_Field_Blank Avatar
9 weeks ago
Still can’t believe they stuck with the same design, they look nice but need an update for weight.

Old Apple would never have shipped something so chunky for version two - they were obsessed with iterating for thinner and lighter but apparently not on the only product that matters in?!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
9 weeks ago
Never, and I do mean never, purchase tech with "future" features in mind.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iMac The Knife Avatar
9 weeks ago
Everything Apple offers anymore, has more to offer in the future.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
shawnforever Avatar
9 weeks ago

Who gives a flying fudge that they kept the look the same
I would agree with you that design changes for the sake of design changes don't make sense. But most of us aren't arguing for random, arbitrary design changes. We want different headphones. Some want lighter weight, a physical power switch, different headband design, or a design that protects the problematic ribbon cable that breaks and causes connection issues and ultimately device death. So it's not just how they look; it's also how they function.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
9 weeks ago

"H2 is this platform that continues to demonstrate that it has continued headroom,"
It probably has Max Headroom.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9 weeks ago
That says to me that the H3 is coming sooner rather than later.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)