Apple Launches AirPods Max 2 With H2 Chip and Apple Intelligence Live Translation

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Apple announced AirPods Max 2 on March 16 powered by the H2 chip, bringing Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and AI-powered Live Translation to its over-ear headphone for the first time. ANC is 1.5x more effective than the previous generation; lossless 24-bit 48kHz audio is supported over USB-C at the same $549 price point, with orders opening March 25. The launch is generating 315 HN points and 544 comments — the highest consumer hardware engagement of the day — driven largely by the Apple Intelligence angle rather than audio specs.