Apple launches AirPods Max 2 with stronger ANC, lossless audio, and live translation

What just happened? Apple's streak of product announcements has continued with the surprise launch of the AirPods Max 2. The over-ear headphones arrive more than five years after the original AirPods Max and carry the same $549 price tag as their predecessor.

Pre-orders for the AirPods Max 2 open March 25 in more than 30 countries, with general availability beginning in early April. Apple is sticking with the familiar industrial design, which means the sequel looks a lot more like a spec and feature refresh than a dramatic reimagining.

Apple says the AirPods Max 2 offers even better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), elevated sound quality, and intelligent features than the current version of the headphones. They use the same H2 headphone chip as the AirPods Pro 3 while introducing features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation.

The biggest hardware-related gain appears to be in noise ...