Apple is rolling out lossless audio and ultra-low-latency support to AirPods Max with USB-C
You’ll still need a cable though: Apple’s introduced a new USB-C to 3.5mm audio option
It’s the first major software update for Apple’s over-ears, which were refreshed with USB-C in September 2024
While iOS 18.4 won’t introduce the AI-infused Siri, it will expand the feature set and capabilities of Apple’s AirPods Max. The Cupertino giant’s flagship over-ear headphones last received an update in September 2024, with a USB-C port and new colors, but no changes to the audio performance.
That will change with iOS 18.4, though, as when Apple ships the software update in April, AirPods Max will get support for lossless and ultra-low latency audio when used with a cable. Yes, note the catch: it won’t be available wirelessly.
While you might be thinking you’re limited to a USB-C to USB-C cable, ie. the one that comes in the box with AirPods Max, Apple is also – finally – bringing back a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable to let you unlock listening in better quality with more devices. Yes, you’ll need to get one of those, but if you wanted to listen to Apple Music’s Lossless output on some of the best hi-res audio players it is now an option.
(Image credit: Apple)
Now, Apple Music’s Lossless audio on AirPods Max with a cable will be supported up to 24-bit/48 kHz, a healthy improvement over than anything you’ll get over Bluetooth. That is also an improvement over AirPods Max with Lightning, as when used with a cable, you could hit 24-bit/48 kHz audio, but it went through some additional processing.
