AirPods Max with USB-C: Now with studio-quality sound via cable

Apple is releasing a major update for the AirPods Max. Starting in April, it will be possible to listen to music in lossless quality and use ultra-low-latency audio – but only with the USB-C model and only via cable. With this update, Apple is responding to criticism of the previous limitations and noticeably improving the AirPods Max, especially for users who value high sound quality or precise audio timing. However, those still using the older Lightning model will miss out.

The AirPods Max are among the highest-quality headphones in the Apple ecosystem, but many users have been asking for lossless audio and reduced latency from the start. Now Apple is delivering just that – via a software update scheduled to be released with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. This significantly upgrades the USB-C models of the AirPods Max. For many, this could be a reason to upgrade to the newer model.

Lossless audio with 24 bit and 48 kHz

The update unlocks lossless playback on the AirPods Max – but only when you connect them via a USB-C cable. It then supports studio-quality audio in 24-bit at 48 kHz. This also applies to Personalized Spatial Audio, which, combined with uncompressed sound, is even more realistic. Apple emphasizes that this preserves the integrity of the original recording – so the music sounds exactly as it was mixed in the studio. Apple Music plays a central role in this. You can listen to more than 100 million songs in lossless format via the streaming service – and with the update, you can take full advantage of this for the first time on the AirPods Max. For technical reasons, lossless audio is not available with the AirPods Max via Bluetooth.

Extremely low latency for gaming and streaming

The update also brings significantly lower audio latency. Apple says the delay is "significantly" reduced – to the level of the built-in speakers on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This is especially relevant for gamers and live streamers, for whom precise audio reproduction is crucial. The reduced delay ensures better synchronization of picture and audio. Response times in games or during live streaming are noticeably improved. Again, this feature is only available with AirPods Max with USB-C – and only with wired use.

Apple sells new cable for wired use

The firmware update for the AirPods Max with USB-C, which will be released in April, will not only enable lossless audio via cable – Apple is also correcting a previous disadvantage of the new model. Unlike the original version with a Lightning connector, which enabled wired playback via a special adapter cable, the USB-C model lacked this option completely. This caused disappointment last fall, as apart from new colors, the USB-C connector, and support for Personalized Spatial Audio, there were hardly any new features. Now Apple is responding: Parallel to the update announcement, the company has introduced a new USB-C to 3.5 mm cable for €45, which enables the wired use of the AirPods Max with classic audio devices such as airplane jacks or car jacks. This finally officially supports wired playback – a step that many have been missing. Whether cheaper cables from third-party manufacturers will also work after the update is currently unclear.

Availability and restrictions

The update will be released in April as part of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. The new features—lossless audio and ultra-low latency—are available exclusively for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max. Those who still own a model with a Lightning connector won't be able to use the new features.

AirPods Max: Full performance only with cable and USB-C model

Apple is making the AirPods Max more attractive with the new update – assuming you have the USB-C model. Support for lossless audio and significantly reduced latency make a clear difference, especially for music fans, gamers, and streamers. Certain limitations remain over Bluetooth, but those who rely on wired connectivity can now get the most out of the AirPods Max. Those still using the older model now have a real incentive to switch – to Amazon . (Image: Apple)