Ten things AirPods Pro 2 tell us about AirPods Max 2

With the release of the second-generation AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max became the oldest current-generation AirPods product still in Apple’s lineup. With the introduction of several new features like Adaptive Transparency and the H2 chip, the second-gen AirPods Pro could offer some of the best clues yet as to what to expect from the second-gen AirPods Max.

Almost two years later, there are hardly any rumors about a successor to the original “AirPods Max”. The last thing we heard about the next-gen “AirPods Max” was a review from Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman in May 2021, who stated that Apple is considering introducing new color options for the device. Along with new color options and revamped audio hardware, there are at least ten potential AirPods Pro features that could make their way into the second AirPods Max version.

H2 chips

The second-generation “AirPods Pro” are the first device to include the H2 chip, Apple’s custom silicon chip designed specifically for earbuds and headphones.

The H2 chip enables enhanced computer audio to improve sound quality on AirPods Pro and improves battery life with better power efficiency. Since the “AirPods Max” are Apple’s highest-end AirPods, it seems almost certain that the next version will feature an H2 chip in each earcup. The chips will likely be at the heart of any improvements to the device’s audio hardware.

Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

In addition to the H2 chip, the new “AirPods Pro” have Bluetooth 5.3, a specification that also applies to the entire iPhone 14 range as well as the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Therefore, it is inevitable that the second generation “AirPods Max” will also feature the latest Bluetooth standard. Bluetooth 5.3 offers important improvements in terms of reliability, connection performance and power consumption.

Improved active noise cancellation

Thanks to the H2 chip, the second generation “AirPods Pro” have improved active noise cancellation (ANC), which is up to two times more effective in suppressing unwanted noise.

The outward-facing mics detect external noise, allowing AirPods to analyze ambient noise, while the inward-facing mic listens to sound coming to the ear. The new “AirPods Pro” then adjust the sound signal that reaches the ears 48,000 times per second to eliminate external noise.

The second generation “AirPods Pro” also come with a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms to reduce additional unwanted noise. As the only other AirPods to offer ANC, it seems inevitable that the second-gen “AirPods Max” with the H2 chip will also offer improved ANC.

Adaptive Transparency

The second-generation AirPods Pro feature a brand new adaptive transparency mode that allows in important ambient noise like speech while greatly reducing unwanted ambient noise like a passing vehicle siren, construction tools, or even speakers at a concert.

According to Apple, the function is designed “for more comfortable listening in everyday life”. In addition to the improvements in ANC made possible by the H2 chip, it’s very likely that the second-gen “AirPods Max” will also feature adaptive transparency.

conversation boost

It’s also possible that the AirPods Max will also get Conversation Boost, a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro.

Designed to help people with mild hearing problems understand conversations better, Conversation Boost uses the AirPods Pro’s beamforming microphones to boost the volume of a person speaking directly in front of you, making it easier for you to understand what she says.

skin detection sensors

Apple’s skin detection sensor technology was first introduced on the third-gen AirPods and recently extended to the AirPods Pro, making the AirPods Max the only current-gen AirPods product without this feature. The current “AirPods Max” still use optical IR sensors to detect when they are placed over a user’s ears.

While skin detection sensors on the “AirPods Max” wouldn’t be quite as useful, since playback isn’t likely to be triggered on a surface or in a pocket, they could help pause and resume playback more quickly and accurately. The skin detection sensors are also more efficient and deliver longer battery life – something the “AirPods Max” could also take advantage of.

Longer battery life

Apple is touting improved battery life for both the third-gen AirPods and the second-gen AirPods Pro. The second-gen “AirPods Max” could see similar battery life gains through the efficiency gains of the H2 chip, Bluetooth 5.3, and skin-detection sensors, assuming Apple doesn’t decrease the size of the internal battery.

Sweat and water resistance

The third-generation AirPods and the second-generation “AirPods Pro” feature IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant earphones and charging cases. This is an area Apple has improved on its various earbuds over time, but the first-gen “AirPods Max” don’t have a rating for sweat or water resistance.

Some sort of sweat and water resistance rating for the second-gen model seems plausible, especially given Apple’s growing focus on health and fitness. Apple Fitness+ launched just a day before the release of the first-gen “AirPods Max” in 2020, so it’s not out of the question that the second-gen model might put a stronger focus on fitness through sweat resistance.

U1 chip and precision finding

The second generation AirPods Pro MagSafe charging case features an Apple U1 chip for precise searching in the Find My app, similar to AirTag item trackers.

The current AirPods Max offer basic Find My support, but a U1 chip in the second-gen version could offer a much more accurate way of locating the headphones when they’re nearby.

Load

The second-gen AirPods Pro case added the ability to charge with an Apple Watch charger, adding to the plethora of charging options that already included MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, and Lightning.

It’s too early to tell if the second-gen AirPods Max will offer a new way of charging, such as via MagSafe, but such a change would require deeper changes to the AirPods Max’s design. However, the fact that Apple is now offering four different ways to charge the “AirPods Pro” could indicate that it is aware of the benefits of multiple charging options and in some way wants to extend them to its high-end headphones.