Apple introduced on Monday that the USB-C-equipped AirPods Max will quickly get an replace that was inexplicably left off the USB-C mannequin: Customers will be capable of play lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio by means of a wired connection. The brand new function can be in a firmware replace when iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 are launched subsequent week.
To make use of the 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low-latency audio, the headphones have to be related to the audio supply by means of a USB-C cable. When Apple up to date the AirPods Max with USB-C final September, the brand new USB-C port was enabled just for charging. The Lightning-equipped AirPods Max should not included within the function replace.
The brand new lossless audio assist can be utilized with Customized Spatial Audio for “a extra sonically correct, uncompressed, and immersive expertise,” in response to an Apple press launch. Lossless audio is a key function for audio producers, whereas extremely‑low latency audio is vital for gaming and stay streams. Apple notes that AirPods Max will turn out to be “the one
headphones that allow musicians to each create and combine in Customized Spatial Audio with head monitoring.”
Apple additionally revealed a brand new 1.2-meter USB-C to three.5mm audio cable for $39/£39/CA$55/AU$65 and is now obtainable within the Apple Retailer. The cable can be utilized to attach AirPods Max to straightforward headphone audio ports discovered on units, airplanes, Macs, and different units. The cable may also be used with iPhones and iPads to connect with an audio-in port in a automobile or on audio system.
Apple has established that it’s going to commonly replace AirPods with new options by means of firmware updates. Final October, Apple launched listening to well being options for the AirPods Professional 2 together with the iOS 18.1 replace. You’ll be able to be taught extra about new and upcoming AirPods options and releases within the Macworld AirPods information.