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In a move that redefines premium audio for its users, Apple announced on March 23, 2025, that its AirPods Max will soon support lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio. Set to roll out next month via a free firmware update alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, this enhancement promises to deliver an unparalleled listening experience exclusively for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max. With this update, Apple is not only catering to audiophiles but also positioning its flagship headphones as a vital tool for music creators, gamers, and livestreamers. Here’s a closer look at what this means for AirPods Max users and the broader audio landscape.
A Leap to Lossless Audio
The update introduces 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, a feature that preserves the full fidelity of original recordings when using the included USB-C cable. Unlike compressed formats like MP3 or AAC, lossless audio retains every nuance as intended by the artist, offering a studio-quality experience. Apple Music subscribers can tap into over 100 million songs encoded in this format, while the update extends compatibility to Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This ensures a sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive soundstage, making the AirPods Max a standout choice for those who demand the highest audio quality.
Ultra-Low Latency: A Game-Changer
Beyond lossless audio, the addition of ultra-low latency audio addresses a critical need for real-time performance. By minimizing lag to levels comparable with built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone, this feature eliminates response delays that can disrupt gaming or livestreaming. For music producers, it means seamless recording and mixing without sacrificing fidelity, especially when paired with apps like Logic Pro. Apple claims the AirPods Max will be the only headphones enabling musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, a bold statement that underscores its unique position in the market.
Wired Excellence via USB-C
This update is exclusive to the USB-C AirPods Max, introduced in September 2024, and requires a wired connection to unlock its full potential. While wireless Bluetooth remains limited to lossy codecs, the USB-C cable enables high-resolution digital audio transmission. Apple is also launching a $39 USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, available now, allowing users to connect to analog sources like airplane audio ports or external speakers. This shift rectifies a previous limitation of the USB-C model, which lacked wired audio support at launch, and contrasts with the Lightning version, which won’t receive this update due to technical constraints.
Impact on Users and Industry
For casual listeners, the update elevates music, movies, and games to new heights, while professionals gain a versatile tool for creative workflows. Gamers and streamers benefit from lag-free audio, enhancing immersion and precision. Priced at $549 and available in five colors—midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange—the AirPods Max now justify their premium tag with features that rival dedicated studio headphones. As Apple continues to refine its audio ecosystem, this update signals a broader push toward high-fidelity, low-latency experiences, potentially setting a new standard for wireless headphone capabilities when tethered.
Announced just days before the current date of March 28, 2025, this development arrives ahead of April’s firmware release, giving users ample time to anticipate the upgrade. Whether you’re an audiophile, a creator, or a gamer, the AirPods Max are poised to deliver a transformative audio experience that bridges consumer and professional needs with Apple’s signature polish.
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Apple Newsroom: Lossless Audio and Ultra-Low Latency Audio Come to AirPods Max