>I really don't understand how these are $549.
H2 chip enables smart audio switching when paired with Apple account + other Apple products. This is a feature that many people find valuable.
What's new about this with the H2 chip?
My H1-chipped USB-C Airpods Max (OG) seem to switch seamlessly between my iphone, ipad, and macbook pro already.
But not 549 valuable. You get that on their much cheaper airpods. Also doesn't need h2 for that, even their older ones did it.