This morning, Apple revealed an exciting new feature for USB-C AirPods Max. With the introduction of iOS 18.4, these headphones will now support lossless audio playback, allowing for ultra-low latency listening via a wired connection.
For the first time, USB-C AirPods Max will enable wired audio playback, a functionality that was absent during the initial release of the headphones last September.
Wired Playback Available on Lightning Model
Surprisingly, many may not know that the Lightning version of AirPods Max has supported wired audio playback since its launch. Since 2020, users could connect a Lightning to 3.5mm cable (which Apple sold for $35) to link their AirPods Max with any device featuring a 3.5mm headphone jack.
This handy feature was notably absent from the USB-C version of AirPods Max. If you were accustomed to using a wired connection with your previous AirPods Max, this limitation was disappointing for many new USB-C owners.
Aside from the new color options and the change in port, there were no additional advantages to the latest AirPods Max model—plus, users were losing a feature that existed in the Lightning model.
Wired Playback Reintroduced for USB-C Model
This situation will change in April with the rollout of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4. Following the software update, USB-C AirPods Max will be capable of lossless audio playback—marking the introduction of wired playback for this variant.
The USB-C AirPods Max will feature wired playback using the included USB-C cable, along with a newly available USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, allowing for improved functionality:
With lossless audio and ultra-low latency, music creators will be able to fully leverage AirPods Max throughout their entire professional workflow on Logic Pro and other music production applications. Utilizing the USB-C connection, AirPods Max will become the only headphones that allow musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking technology. By providing high-resolution digital audio with low latency, artists will be able to record and mix seamlessly without sacrificing audio fidelity.
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