The most pricey headphones from Apple are set to receive a rather big software update in April, thanks to the new announcement that the AirPods Max with USB-C will finally be able to support lossless audio. Unfortunately, this is a feature that will be limited to the newer AirPods Max with USB-C so if you’re holding on to the AirPods Max with a Lightning port, it might be time to upgrade.
While it’s not through a wireless connection, audiophiles will be able to take advantage of the Lossless tier in Apple Music by connecting the AirPods Max USB-C to an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer with a USB-C to USB-C data cable (like the one that came in the box) in order to enable 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio.
The Hi-Res Lossless tier (which streams at up to 24-bit/192kHz) still requires an external DAC. In case you’re wondering, we checked with Apple and no, you cannot connect the AirPods Max USB-C to an external DAC to get 24-bit/192kHz playback.
Additionally, the software update will also introduce ultra-low latency audio through a wired connection. There were issues with creators encountering latency issues previously when using the AirPods Max to create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio through Logic Pro for Mac, so the introduction of ultra-low latency audio will definitely help to solve this issue.
For compatibility with mixer boards and other source devices that have a 3.5mm port, a new USB-C to 3.5mm cable has started selling today on Apple’s website, the Apple Store app and Apple Authorised Resellers.
LOSSLESS AUDIO AND ULTRA-LOW LATENCY AUDIO WILL BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL AS PART OF A FREE SOFTWARE UPDATE WITH IOS 18.4, IPADOS 18.4 AND MACOS SEQUOIA 15.4. AIRPODS MAX WITH USB-C ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR S$749 AT APPLE’S WEBSITE, THE APPLE STORE APP AND APPLE AUTHORISED RESELLERS.
