On Monday, Apple announced a new software update that will bring lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio features to AirPods Max. While making this announcement, the company claimed
‘AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking’
This feature will only function with the inclusion of a USB-C cable. From next month, AirPods Max users can enjoy the highest-quality audio across ‘music, movies, and games’. Moreover, music creators can enhance ‘songwriting, beat making, production, and mixing’ through this feature update.
Specifications
- AirPods Max will produce 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
Availability
This new feature will be available as a free firmware update for AirPods Max with USB-C only with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.
For Music Lovers
The lossless audio feature will preserve the integrity of the original recording, enabling listeners to enjoy a studio-like experience. Additionally, Personalized Spatial Audio will deliver a sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive music experience. AirPods Max users can enjoy more than 100 million songs in lossless audio through Apple Music.
For Musicians
The company claims that using USB-C will make AirPods Max the only headphone that can create and mix Personalized Spatial Audio without compromising fidelity. The lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio updates will be a game-changer for musicians, enabling them to utilize AirPods Max on Logic Pro and other music creation apps.
For Gamers and Livestreamers
This new update on AirPods Max also brings fun for gamers and live streamers by eliminating response delays. The ultra-low latency audio will lower lag time and be on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It will make gameplay and live streaming smoother and more immersive.
Apple AirPods Max was launched in December 2020. Since then, it has received mixed reviews regarding voice quality. For instance, according to SoundGuys
“While the Apple AirPod Max is a great pair of headphones with best-in-class active noise canceling (ANC) and a good sound signature, it also has a few annoying quirks that make it very obviously an Apple product. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and already love your AirPods Pro, then the AirPods Max is more of the same just in a pair of over-ears.”
The reviewer highlighted that the AirPods Max previously didn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, which makes them less ideal for audio professionals. As long as the user is in Bluetooth mode, they are good for use; however, going wired creates hoops. The company announced that a $39 USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable will be available at the Apple online store, the Apple Store app, and Apple Authorized Resellers. It can be used to connect AirPods Max to 3.5 mm audio sources.
