Apple brings lossless audio to AirPods Max
Lossless audio and ultra-low latency is coming to AirPods Max next month.
Apple is set to upgrade the AirPods Max with lossless audio and ultra-low latency support next month, courtesy of a software update.
Following last year’s switch to a USB-C connector, the $549 headphones lost wired audio playback capabilities. Now, Apple is reintroducing wired playback with a USB-C to USB-C cable, unlocking lossless audio and improved latency. This update enhances music listening, production, and even gaming experiences.
What’s new?
Lossless audio for a studio-quality experience
AirPods Max will now support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio, ensuring that music lovers can hear the recordings exactly as they were intended by artists and producers. This preserves the depth and richness of original studio recordings, enhancing the listening experience.
Music production gets a boost
For musicians and producers, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that allow both creating and mixing music in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This means artists can record and mix in lossless, high-resolution digital audio with minimal latency- crucial for professional-quality production.
Better gameplay and livestreaming
Aside from a richer sound, ultra-low latency audio significantly reduces lag time for more immersive gameplay and real-time audio synchronization during livestreams.
When will the update arrive?
The free firmware update will roll out next month alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4.
Apple is also selling a $39 USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, enabling wired playback on devices with a standard headphone jack, such as airplane entertainment systems, car stereos, and other speakers.
What this means for artists
With this update, AirPods Max users can enjoy over 100 million songs in lossless audio on Apple Music. If you’re an artist, this is the perfect time to ensure your music is available in the highest quality. RouteNote allows artists to upload their tracks to Apple Music in lossless audio, ensuring listeners experience your music in the best possible quality. Get started with RouteNote today.
