The expensive AirPods Max are actually getting better. Apple has just announced that both lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio will soon arrive for the high-end headphones.
The Highest-Quality Audio With a USB-C Cable
Lossless audio provides 24-bit, 48 kHz audio output for the best possible experience. It will also extend to Personalized Spatial Audio to provide a more accurate and immersive experience. There are more than 100 million songs in lossless audio with Apple Music.
Because the usual Bluetooth connection can’t handle lossless audio, you’ll need to use the included USB-C cable to connect to an Apple device.
A USB-C cable is also needed to unlock ultra-low latency audio. As the name suggests, that lowers lag time and provides audio on par with built-in speakers on a Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
The changes will arrive next month with a firmware update for the headphones arriving along with the iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 updates from Apple.
You canpurchase the AirPods Max from Appleand a wide variety of other retailers for $549. They are available in midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange.
Apple has also introduced a newUSB-C to 3.5m audio cable for $39. That allows you to connect the AirPods Max to 3.5mm audio sources like an airplane entertainment system.
All of the new audio improvements are only for theUSB-C AirPods Max first introduced in September 2024. The previous model of the AirPods Max with a Lightning connector can’t make use of the new features.
Adding the Audio Features Is Too Little, Too Late
It’s mind-boggling why Apple didn’t include the lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio features when the “updated” version was introduced in 2024. That might have moved the needle and gotten buyers interested in the headphones. But now, it’s definitely way too late to make much of a difference, as both features are strongly geared towards audio creators and gamers, not the regular, everyday users of the headphones.
The AirPods Max has always been one of Apple’s most confusing products. Originally introduced in 2020, the over-ear headphones provided some great features, if you were willing to shell out some serious cash. Now, compared to other headphones on the market, the AirPods Max don’t have much at all to stand out. You can easily find something similar for hundreds of dollars less.
I’ve always thought the originalAirPods Max was one of the worst purchases I’ve ever made. Along with the high price, the battery life is subpar, and there’s no way to completely turn the headphones off. That’s not to even mention the confusing Digital Crown, horrible carrying case, and light colors that show dust and dirt after just a bit of use.
