AirPods Max offer lossless and ultra-low latency audio

Apple has announced a significant firmware update for its AirPods Max headphones, introducing support for lossless audio and ultra-low latency performance. This update aims to enhance the listening experience for audiophiles, musicians, and gamers alike.

Understanding Lossless Audio

Lossless audio refers to sound recordings that are compressed without any loss in quality, preserving the original nuances and details of the music. Traditional audio compression methods often discard some data to reduce file sizes, leading to a potential loss in audio fidelity. With lossless audio, listeners can enjoy music exactly as it was intended by the artists, capturing every subtlety and intricacy.

AirPods Max and Lossless Audio

Prior to this update, AirPods Max users faced limitations in achieving true lossless playback. Even when using the Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, the analog-to-digital conversion process prevented a completely lossless experience. Apple acknowledged this limitation, stating that while the headphones could connect to devices playing lossless and hi-res lossless recordings with exceptional audio quality, the playback would not be entirely lossless due to the analog-to-digital conversion in the cable. citeturn0search1

The new firmware update addresses this issue by enabling 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio playback when using the included USB-C cable. This enhancement ensures that the integrity of original recordings is maintained, allowing listeners to experience music as it was created in the studio. Additionally, this update extends lossless audio support to Personalized Spatial Audio, offering a more immersive and uncompressed listening experience. citeturn0search0

Ultra-Low Latency: A Game Changer

Latency refers to the delay between an audio signal being transmitted and when it is heard. High latency can be detrimental in scenarios requiring real-time audio feedback, such as live performances, gaming, or music production. With the introduction of ultra-low latency support, AirPods Max now offer audio lag reduction comparable to the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone devices. This improvement is particularly beneficial for musicians who rely on real-time audio monitoring and gamers seeking a seamless audio-visual experience. citeturn0news17

The New USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable

Alongside the firmware update, Apple has introduced an optional USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable, priced at $39. This accessory allows users to connect their AirPods Max directly to devices with a 3.5 mm audio jack, facilitating a wired listening experience that supports the new lossless audio capabilities. This development addresses previous limitations where the Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable did not provide a true lossless playback due to signal conversion processes. citeturn0news17

Integration with Apple Music

Apple Music subscribers stand to benefit significantly from this update. With over 100 million songs available in lossless audio, users can now fully appreciate the enhanced sound quality on their AirPods Max. The integration of lossless audio with Personalized Spatial Audio further enriches the listening experience, making it more immersive and true to the original recording. citeturn0search0

Firmware Update Rollout

The firmware update enabling these features is scheduled to roll out in April, coinciding with the release of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. Users are advised to ensure their devices are updated to these versions to take full advantage of the new capabilities offered by the AirPods Max. citeturn0news18

Conclusion

Apple’s commitment to enhancing the AirPods Max demonstrates a dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its users. By introducing lossless audio and ultra-low latency support, Apple is not only improving the quality of music playback but also catering to professionals in music production and gaming communities. These updates position the AirPods Max as a versatile and high-fidelity option in the premium headphone market.