- Apple rolls lossless audio and ultra-low-latens support for AirPods Max with USB-C
- However, you still need a cable: Apple introduced a new USB-C to 3.5mm audio setting
- It’s the first major software update to Apple’s over-ears, which was updated with USB-C in September 2024
While iOS 18.4 does not introduce the AI-Infunded Siri, it will expand the feature set and capacities for Apple’s AirPods max. Cupertino giant’s flagship Over-Ear headphones last received an update in September 2024 with a USB-C port and new colors, but no changes in the sound performance.
However, that will change with iOS 18.4, which when Apple sends the software update in April, AirPods Max Support will receive lossless and ultra-low latency when used with a cable. Yes, note the catch: It will not be available wireless.
While you may think you are limited to a USB-C to USB-C cable, ie. The one who comes in the box with AirPods Max, Apple is also – finally -To bring a USB-C back to 3.5mm audio cable to let you unlock to listen to better quality with multiple devices. Yes, you will have to get one of them, but if you wanted to listen to Apple Music’s lossless output on some of the best hi-res sound players, it’s now an option.
Now, Apple Music’s loss-free audio is supported at AirPods Max with a cable up to 24-bit/48 kHz, a healthy improvement over something you get over Bluetooth. It is also an improvement in relation to AirPods Max with lightning, as when used with a cable you could Hit 24-bit/48 kHz sound, but it went through further treatment.
However, it is worth noting that this is under Apple Music’s maximum hi-res-loss-free output-it will say 24-bit/192kHz-so you need one of the best headphones DACs to unlock the full potential of the streaming service.
Nevertheless, this should improve the listening experience and lossless sound here will also be compatible with ‘personalized spatial sound’ to improve the immersion, and dynamic head tracking will still be activated here. Apple also notes that this causes this AirPods to maximize the first headphones that let you create, mix and listen in the spatial audio standard also with the main tracking.
If you are after the lowest possible latency, perhaps for the first listening of a new album or to give you a leg up when you play an AAA title as Resident Evil 3 or Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it is probably worth joining the cable.
Apple says the ultra-low latency experience with AirPods Max is on par with the speakers built into iPhone, iPad and Mac. This means that AirPods Max must offer a meaningful improvement in lowering the delay, making them a better fit for games or even live streaming of your game.
Two features arriving in the form of a free update are excellent news, but Apple also releases a USB-C for 3.5mm audio cable is great news. It was a strange omission to not offer this next to the original launch of AirPods Max with USB-C, and it is a very welcome addition to Apple’s cable lineup.
The cable is on order now for $ 39.99 / £ 39 / AU $ 65 in a size – 1.2 meters – and only comes in the color white. I hope Apple can eventually drop it in color-matched settings for AirPods Max with USB-C-purple, blue, orange, midnight or starlight dog.
We also know that iOS 18.4-sootes as well as iPados 18.4 and MacOS Sequoia 15.4 arrest in April 2024 and you will need to install it on your iPhone, iPad or Mac to get your AirPods Max with USB-C to be updated. In fact, just a few weeks back, Apple finally sheds light on how to update your AirPods.
There is also no change in pricing for AirPods Max with USB-C, in any color these over-ear cans are $ 549 / £ 499 / AU $ 899. Although right now, in the US, on Amazon, only $ 479.99.
Like adaptive sound or hearing health features arriving at AirPods Pro, Apple still has an excellent pattern here – and it offers new features months down the line as a free upgrade for its AirPods customers.
It extends the value significantly, especially for a product like AirPods Max, which is not as often updated as AirPods Pro or AirPods – it’s nice to see functions like this one arrives.
Let’s hope that there will be more in store for Apple’s WWDC 2025, which should take place in just a few short months in June 2025 if this tradition continues.
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