Updated AirPods Max Regains Wired Listening & Lossless Audio
Apple's AirPods Max quietly lost some skills in its latest refresh, but a software update is set to solve that.
Thanks to a software update coming in April, owners of the new USB-C-equipped Apple AirPods Max will be able to listen in wired mode, enjoy 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio transmission, and low-latency playback.
September 2024 saw Apple update its AirPods Max wireless over-ears by replacing the Lightning connector with a USB-C charging port alongside an array of new colour finishes. Beyond that, there was little else to shout about. However, upgraders soon discovered that the ability to plug the 'phones into a device for wired listening disappeared with the Lightning port.
Rejoice! Apple is fixing this, albeit six months later, with no further cost to owners of the latest AirPods Max cans. The free firmware update will enable the bundled USB-C to USB-C cable to be used to listen to audio from your USB-C iPhone or MacBook.
That said, not one to pass up an opportunity to upsell, Apple is also now selling a USB-C-to-3.5mm audio cable for £39/ $39/ AU$65, which broadens the horizons for connecting the new AirPods Max with various sources for 'lossless' wired listening.
A spokesperson for Apple told StereoNET:
With this update, AirPods Max will unlock 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio.
With access to 24-bit/48kHz playback, Apple Music subscribers will get more from their monthly payment as their AirPods Max will now have full access 100-million 'Lossless' (24-bit/48kHz ALAC) streams - something Bluetooth AAC cannot do yet. There is, however, a slight caveat in that the AirPods Max will still be unable to playback Apple Music's 'Hi-Res Lossless' streams, which the company defines as above 24-bit/48kHz, up to 192kHz.
There is also good news for gamers and video fans, as the firmware update includes ultra-low latency for the AirPods Max. Apple says the ultra-low latency audio update "significantly lowers lag time" when gaming, live streaming and creating music, leading the company to add that its AirPods Max "will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio with head-tracking" when using USB-C and Logic Pro for Mac software.
The AirPods Max update will be released in April alongside the firmware updates for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.
Visit Apple for more information
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Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Headphones
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