This is translated from a foreign article, so there may be translation errors.
https://www.avcesar.com/ifixit-demonte-les-airpods-max-2-pour-analyser-les-changements-internes-47263
iFixit Tears Down AirPods Max 2 to Analyze Internal Changes
Apple's AirPods Max 2 headphones look almost identical to their predecessor from the outside — but is the same true on the inside?
iFixit, an electronics repair specialist company, routinely tears down devices to assess how easy (or difficult) they are for ordinary people to repair.
The Only Truly New Component Inside: Apple's H2 Processor
The latest product on the operating table is the new Apple AirPods Max 2, which offers improved performance and features over its predecessor but is identical in design in every respect. Is this similarity also reflected inside the device?
According to iFixit, apart from the new H2 processor inside each ear cup, the internals of the AirPods Max 2 are exactly the same as the previous USB-C model. This means the same flaws, like condensation buildup in humid environments, are still present.
Given that Apple still doesn't provide replacement parts or repair manuals, iFixit gave this version the same 6/10 repairability score as before.
1. Exterior and Basic Configuration [00:05]
-- Design similarity: It uses nearly the same housing as the original model released 6 years ago. Aside from the Lightning port being replaced with USB-C in 2024, it's hard to distinguish externally.
-- How to identify it: Removing the ear cup cushion reveals a model number (A3454) printed on the inside, which is the only external identifier that distinguishes the new model. [01:40]
-- Colors and parts: The cushion, button placement, headband, and even the color are indistinguishable from the previous USB-C version.
2. Major Internal Change: The H2 Chip [00:27]
-- The core of this update is the addition of the H2 chip. This gives it processing performance on par with the latest AirPods lineup.
-- Feature improvements: Improved noise cancellation performance, conversation awareness, adaptive audio, voice isolation, and real-time translation have been added. [00:33]
-- Hardware: A total of 2 H2 chips are installed, one each on the left and right ear cup PCBs. [06:08]
3. Internal Structure and Repairability Analysis [01:17]
-- CT scan results: The internal battery placement (dual cells in the right ear cup), electronics, buttons, and headband structure were confirmed to be physically identical to the previous generation.
-- Battery performance: Battery capacity is 2.53Wh, the same as the previous generation. With identical connectors and design, cross-generation battery swaps should theoretically be possible. [04:14]
-- Difficulty of disassembly: The captive screw design, which opens with just a quarter turn, is convenient, but disassembly difficulty is high due to strong adhesive inside the ear cups and sealing around the drivers. [02:40]
-- USB-C port: To replace the port, the entire PCB must first be removed, and screws in tight corners must be loosened, making the replacement process quite tricky. [04:33]
4. Persistent Issues Remain [01:00]
-- Condensation: No hardware improvement has been made at all to address the condensation buildup inside the ear cups that many users had complained about. [05:32]
-- Water/dust resistance: There's still a risk of device failure when used in humid environments or during exercise, so caution is needed. [05:39]
5. iFixit's Final Assessment [06:26]
-- No repair ecosystem: Despite the high price of $550, Apple still doesn't offer official repair manuals or genuine replacement parts.
-- Overall assessment: The hardware itself isn't impossible to repair for a patient user (compared to something like the MacBook Neo), but it's disappointing that Apple hasn't improved repairability even while emphasizing sustainability. [07:03]
In conclusion, the AirPods Max 2 can be seen as a model that kept the same exterior and internal hardware structure while focusing on enhancing software features through a chipset (H2) swap.
▶ Original source: https://www.avcesar.com/ifixit-demonte-les-airpods-max-2-pour-analyser-les-changements-internes-47263
