From next month, Apple plans to bring lossless audio and ultra-low latency performance to Airpods Max.
This software upgrade will ensure studio-quality sound for audiophiles and seamless audio precision for professionals in music production, gaming, and livestreaming.
AirPods Max will now support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, ensuring that every detail of a recording stays intact. Paired with Personalized Spatial Audio, listeners will get a wider, more better soundstage that mirrors what artists hear in the studio.
With Apple Music providing over 100 million songs in lossless quality, this update puts high-fidelity sound within reach of every AirPods Max user.
For music creators, this is a huge one. In connecting AirPods Max with a USB-C cable, musicians and producers can now record, mix, and master in lossless quality without worrying about latency. Apple states, “AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.” This will ultimately enable uncompromised fidelity throughout the entire music production process.
Sharper, Faster Audio for Gamers and Streamers
Aside from music, the update brings ultra-low latency for gaming and livestreaming. Players will experience instant audio feedback, matching the precision of built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. With no lag between action and sound, gaming will feel more responsive, and live broadcasts will maintain crystal-clear synchronisation.
Availability and Pricing
Apple is rolling out this free firmware update in April, alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. AirPods Max, priced at $549, remain available in five colours: midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange.
For those needing wired connections, Apple is also launching a USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable for $39. It allows users to plug into airplane audio ports, car stereos, and other 3.5 mm sources, expanding the headset’s versatility beyond wireless use.
