Free April update brings studio-quality sound, real-time responsiveness, and personalized spatial mixing to AirPods Max via USB-C
Apple has announced a major software update coming to AirPods Max next month, introducing lossless audio and ultra-low latency capabilities for the first time. The upgrade positions AirPods Max as the only over-ear headphones capable of supporting Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking for both music creation and mixing — a significant leap for musicians, producers, and audiophiles alike.
Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio deliver the ultimate listening experience with AirPods Max.
Slated for release alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, the free firmware update will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when using AirPods Max with a USB-C cable. This advancement preserves the full fidelity of studio recordings, allowing Apple Music subscribers to enjoy more than 100 million tracks exactly as the artists intended.
A New Era for Music Production
The update is particularly transformative for music creators. Ultra-low latency audio ensures near-instantaneous response times, critical for tasks like songwriting, beat making, and live mixing. When connected via USB-C, creators can now use AirPods Max throughout their full professional workflow in apps like Logic Pro, bringing personalized spatial mixing into a portable, wireless setup.
Gaming and Streaming, Reimagined
Gamers and livestreamers aren’t left behind. The same ultra-low latency audio enhancements dramatically reduce lag, delivering smooth, immersive audio performance that matches the response speed of Mac, iPad, and iPhone’s built-in speakers. This makes AirPods Max an even more compelling choice for interactive entertainment and content creation.
Availability and Pricing
The update will be available in April for all AirPods Max models with USB-C. AirPods Max are priced at $549 (U.S.) and come in five colors: midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. They’re available through apple.com/store, the Apple Store app, and Apple Authorized Resellers.
To complement the update, Apple has also released a USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable for $39 (U.S.). This cable enables users to connect AirPods Max to traditional 3.5 mm audio sources, like airplane entertainment systems or car stereos.
Users will need an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera to create a personalized Spatial Audio profile, which syncs seamlessly across Apple devices using the latest operating systems.
