Apple's AirPods Max to Gain Lossless Audio, Low-Latency Audio Support With iOS 18.4 Update

Apple now sells a USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio cable that enables audio playback via in-flight entertainment systems and devices without a Type-C port.

Written by David Delima | Updated: 25 March 2025 11:59 IST

Apple's AirPods Max to Gain Lossless Audio, Low-Latency Audio Support With iOS 18.4 Update

Apple refreshed the AirPods Max last year with a USB Type-C port

Highlights

AirPods Max will support lossless audio playback in April
Users will be able to listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio
Apple says the AirPods Max will also support low-latency audio playback

Apple's most expensive wireless headphones — the AirPods Max — will soon gain support for two new audio features. As part of the upcoming iOS 18.4 update, Apple will introduce support for lossless audio playback on the AirPods Max. The new functionality will only be available on the refreshed version of the AirPods Max that feature a USB Type-C port. Apple also says that the AirPods Max will soon offer low-latency performance with the USB cable that is on par with the built-in speakers on the company's other devices.

AirPods Max's New Audio Features Require a USB Type-C Cable

According to the company, the iOS 18.4 update, which is expected to arrive next month, will add support for lossless audio playback on the AirPods Max. Users who connect their headphones using a USB Type-C cable will be able to listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, while using a compatible device. Lossless audio streaming is offered by service like Tidal or Apple Music.

Apple also says that the AirPods Max will gain support for low-latency audio playback, with the iOS 18.4 update. The low-latency mode is enabled when the USB Type-C mode is connected to the headphones, and will enable support for another Apple feature typically supported on its wireless headsets — Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.

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Like several other wired headphones, the AirPods Max will deliver low-latency audio playback, which means it can be used for gaming. Apple claims that the AirPods Max delivers performance on par with the built-in speakers on its iPad, iPhone, and Mac computers.

It's worth noting that Apple's new low-latency and lossless audio support will only be available on the AirPods Max variant with a USB Type-C port. The older version with a Lightning connector won't be able to take advantage of these features.

Apple now sells a new USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio cable that allows users to connect the AirPods Max to devices that do not have a USB Type-C port, like in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. The same cable can be used to connect the iPhone 15 and newer models (or an iPad with a USB Type-C port) to play audio on stereo speakers with a 3.5mm audio port.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious 
Best-in-class controls 
Seamless connectivity with Apple devices 
Very good ANC and Transparency modes 
Wide, spacious soundstage 
Excellent, flexible sound

Bad
No power button, unpredictable power consumption  
Below-par battery life 
Smart Case is a bit silly 
Lightning charging port 
No ANC level adjustment

Read detailed Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones review

Headphone Type Over-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity Wireless

Type Headphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

Comments

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Further reading: AirPods Max, AirPods Max Lossless Audio, Lossless Audio, Low Latency Audio, Apple

David Delima

Email David Delima

As a writer on technology with Gadgets 360, David Delima is interested in open-source technology, cybersecurity, consumer privacy, and loves to read and write about how the Internet works. David can be contacted via email at DavidD@ndtv.com, on Twitter at @DxDavey, and Mastodon at mstdn.social/@delima. More