Apple Inc. is preparing a significant software upgrade for its high-end AirPods Max headphones, introducing lossless audio support and ultra-low latency mode for the first time, according to company statements. The features will arrive next month alongside the release of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, but with a key catch: they will only work with the USB-C version of AirPods Max, leaving Lightning-equipped models behind.
Check out Apple’s Airpods Max Latest Deals
Studio-Quality Lossless Audio Comes to AirPods Max
The update will enable 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when using a wired USB-C connection, a first for Apple’s over-ear headphones. The company claims this will allow users to hear music exactly as artists intended in the studio, with no compression artifacts.
“With this update, AirPods Max will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it,” Apple said in a statement.
The enhancement also extends to Personalized Spatial Audio, delivering a more accurate and immersive listening experience. Apple Music’s catalog of over 100 million lossless tracks will now be fully accessible to AirPods Max users—provided they plug in.
Ultra-Low Latency Mode for Gamers and Streamers
In addition to lossless audio, Apple is introducing an ultra-low latency mode designed to eliminate audio lag. The company says response times will now be “on par with native built-in speakers” on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
“Gamers and livestreamers can benefit from ultra-low latency audio, which significantly lowers lag time… With no response delay, gameplay and livestreaming become reliably smooth and even more immersive,” Apple noted.
This could make AirPods Max a more viable option for competitive gaming and real-time content creation, areas where Bluetooth latency has traditionally been a drawback.
New USB-C to 3.5mm Cable Launches for $39
Alongside the update, Apple is rolling out a new $39 USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, finally enabling wired playback for USB-C AirPods Max. The accessory was conspicuously missing when the USB-C model launched last year, frustrating users who wanted to connect to analog audio sources.
Lightning Owners Left Out
The new features will not be available to the original Lightning-based AirPods Max, effectively creating a divide between the two versions. This could push longtime users to upgrade, especially given Apple’s broader shift away from Lightning across its product lineup.
Availability
The software update is expected in late April, aligning with Apple’s typical mid-cycle OS revisions. AirPods Max owners will need to update their iPhones, iPads, or Macs to access the new capabilities.
Bottom Line: Apple is finally unlocking the full potential of AirPods Max—but only if you have the latest USB-C model. For audiophiles and gamers, this could be the update that justifies the premium price tag.
The Significance of Apple’s Move
This update marks a pivotal moment for AirPods Max, finally delivering lossless audio support that audiophiles have demanded since the headphones’ 2020 debut. The addition of ultra-low latency mode unexpectedly positions Apple’s premium headphones as a serious contender for gamers and content creators, challenging dedicated gaming headsets.
By restricting these features to USB-C models, Apple continues its strategic transition away from Lightning ports while creating a compelling reason for existing AirPods Max owners to upgrade. The simultaneous release of the previously missing USB-C to 3.5mm cable completes the product’s functionality, addressing one of the most notable omissions when the USB-C version launched last year.
