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 via a wired connection. The brand new characteristic will probably 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 should be linked to the audio supply via 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 are usually not included within the characteristic replace.
The brand new lossless audio assist can be utilized with Customized Spatial Audio for “a extra sonically correct, uncompressed, and immersive expertise,” in accordance with an Apple press launch. Lossless audio is a key characteristic for audio producers, whereas extremely‑low latency audio is vital for gaming and dwell streams. Apple notes that AirPods Max will develop into “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 accessible within the Apple Retailer. The cable can be utilized to attach AirPods Max to straightforward headphone audio ports discovered on gadgets, airplanes, Macs, and different gadgets. The cable may also be used with iPhones and iPads to connect with an audio-in port in a automotive or on audio system.
Apple has established that it’s going to frequently replace AirPods with new options via 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.
