It took Apple six years to properly update the AirPods Max, and at first glance, it might seem like a fairly minor update. After all, the new AirPods Max 2 still look the same, come with the same case, and are even sold in the exact same five colors as their predecessor.
The new features mainly revolve around Apple’s H2 chip, which has unlocked several smart features, as well as improved active noise cancellation (check our initial coverage for a rundown of what’s new).
Apple launches AirPods Max 2 with improved noise cancelling and smart features
Having browsed through Apple’s official tech specs, however, we’ve found that the new AirPods Max 2 have quite a bit new functionality that might not be apparent at first glance. Here’s five hidden features we’ve found:
1. It’s ‘Siri’ not ‘Hey Siri’
When you need to invoke Apple’s smart assistant on the new AirPods Max 2, you can just say “Siri” to do so. On AirPods that sport the old H2 chip, you need to say “Hey Siri.” It’s a small difference, but it saves time (for some, at least; I’ve gotten so accustomed to the “hey” part that I’ll probably just keep saying it).
The buttons are the same as before. But you might not need to touch them as often, as Siri Interactions are now supported.
Credit: Apple
You can now also respond to Siri via head gestures; just nod or shake your head for a “yes” or “no” answer.
2. Loud Sound Reduction
The Loud Sound Reduction feature, already present in the latest AirPods Pro, helps you prevent exposure to loud environmental noise, such as a car horn.
While Apple highlighted this one in its press release accompanying the AirPods Max 2 launch, we’re mentioning it here because it does not show up in Apple’s comparison tool. It is, however, listed in the official tech specs for AirPods Max 2.
Mashable Light Speed
The Loud Sound Reduction feature is on by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio listening modes.
3. Bluetooth 5.3 vs. 5.0
The AirPods Max 2 come with Bluetooth 5.3, as opposed to Bluetooth 5.0 on the AirPods Max with USB-C. In theory, this should mean lower power usage, improved connectivity, and quicker connections with other devices. Wireless audio latency has also been reduced, which is great news for music creators and gamers.
4. New high dynamic range amplifier: Yes, but, what can it do?
Apple mentioned that the AirPods Max 2 have a new high dynamic range amplifier, but the company only said this enables “even cleaner audio while maintaining the incredible sound signature of AirPods Max”.
Cleaner sound at higher volumes.
Credit: Apple
While that’s pretty vague, we can tell you that the high dynamic range amplifier’s job is to amplify an audio signal while keeping noise and distortion low. We can also take a look at the latest AirPods Pro 3, which also feature a new, custom high dynamic range amplifier. In our review, we found they sound significantly better than their predecessor.
Based on that, and given that the AirPods Pro 3 also feature Apple’s H3 chip, we can predict that the AirPods Max 2 will not only have cleaner audio, but also an improved soundstage, accurate sound reproduction at higher volumes, and the benefits should also be audible in Spatial Audio.
If you dig into Apple’s “learn more” bits on the AirPods Max 2 official page, you’ll find an explanation that matches the above. “Modeled after those in high‑end floor‑standing speakers, the driver’s dual‑neodymium ring magnet motor minimizes total harmonic distortion across the entire audible range. With the new high dynamic range amplifier, the result is consistently clear playback, even at higher volumes,” it says.
5. Your old case still fits
Perhaps the worst, or at least most divisive, features of the AirPods Max are their odd, bra-like case that doesn’t really do a great job of protecting the headphones. Yes, you get it included in the price, but it’s just…odd. Fortunately, there’s a number of great, third-party cases that are compatible with Apple’s sleep mode, meaning the AirPods Max won’t drain too much battery when they’re in the case.
If you have the old AirPods Max and are thinking of upgrading, and you’re wondering whether your old third-party case will fit the new ones, we’ve got good news. We’ve compared the weight and size specs for the AirPods Max 2 and the original AirPods Max headphones, and they’re exactly the same: 187.3 x 168.6 x 83.44 mililmeters, weighing exactly 386.2 grams. We’d prefer it if Apple shed some of that weight, but at least your old case will fit.
