Apple has announced a major update for its AirPods Max headphones, bringing both lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio capabilities to the high-end over-ear headphones. The update, slated for release in April 2025, aims to elevate the listening experience for audiophiles, music creators, and gamers.
Why it matters: The addition of lossless and low-latency audio addresses key criticisms of the AirPods Max, positioning them as a more competitive option for professional audio work and immersive gaming, while also enhancing the listening experience for everyday users.
Lossless Audio for Audiophiles: The update will enable 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when the AirPods Max are connected via the included USB-C cable. This means listeners will be able to experience their music with a significantly higher level of detail and fidelity, preserving the nuances of the original recordings. The implementation of Personalized Spatial Audio further enhances the listening experience, delivering a more sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive soundstage.
With this update, Apple Music subscribers will gain access to over 100 million songs in lossless audio, making their music libraries richer and more immersive.
Ultra-Low Latency for Creators and Gamers: The update also brings ultra-low latency audio to the AirPods Max, making them a more attractive tool for music producers and gamers. For musicians, this means the ability to create and mix music with Personalized Spatial Audio and head tracking, preserving audio quality throughout the production process and providing precise audio feedback during recording and mixing sessions.
Gamers will also benefit from the reduced lag time, offering a more seamless and responsive gaming experience.
Availability and Compatibility: The new features will be available as a free firmware update alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. However, it’s important to note that these updates are exclusive to the AirPods Max with USB-C and will not be available for the Lightning version of the headphones. This decision reflects Apple’s broader transition to USB-C across its product line.
The absence of the feature to the lightening addition of the Airpod Max has seen some people upset.
In summary, the introduction of lossless and ultra-low latency audio to the AirPods Max marks a significant step forward in Apple’s audio technology. By addressing key concerns and catering to a wider range of audio needs, the AirPods Max are poised to become a more compelling choice for audiophiles, music producers, and gamers alike.
