Apple have announced an upcoming firmware update that will bring new lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio capabilities to their flagship AirPods Max headphones.
The update, which is due to launch in April 2025, will kit the AirPods Max out with 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio support when connected to a device via the included USB-C cable. It will allow users to enjoy higher-quality audio playback, and seems a logical move with the company’s Apple Music subscription service now hosting over 100 million songs in lossless formats. The firmware will also bring with it new ultra-low-latency audio functionality, which will significantly reduce the device’s lag time and offer a smoother response for tasks such as live-streaming and gaming.
With the AirPods Pro connected via USB-C, users will be able to record and mix with head-tracking and Personalised Spatial Audio in Logic Pro and other music creation applications...
Something that will be particularly welcome for Apple’s pro-audio customers, though, is that the new features will unlock new immersive and Spatial Audio capabilities. With the AirPods Pro connected via USB-C, users will be able to record and mix with head-tracking and Personalised Spatial Audio in Logic Pro and other music creation applications — setting up a personalised HRTF profile for the headphones will require an iPhone with a TrueDepth camera.
Availability
The new lossless and ultra-low latency audio capabilities will be introduced in April via a free firmware update for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for AirPods Max with USB‑C.
