Apple Just Made AirPods Max with USB-C Worth Buying

Apple has announced that the AirPods Max will soon support lossless audio and ultra-low latency playback via USB-C. The update is scheduled for release in April 2025 through iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4. This is a major upgrade for Apple’s premium over-ear headphones and one that many users have been anticipating for years.

What’s New for AirPods Max?

With this upcoming update, AirPods Max with USB-C will gain support for:

• 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio
• Ultra-low latency playback
• Wired audio playback over USB-C
• Enhanced support for Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking

These new features bring AirPods Max closer to professional audio gear in terms of performance, precision, and versatility.

What Is Lossless Audio?

Lossless audio is a high-quality audio format that preserves the original detail of a recording. Unlike typical compressed music formats, lossless audio retains the full range of sound, delivering audio as the artist intended. Apple Music offers over 100 million songs in lossless format, but until now, AirPods Max couldn’t fully take advantage of that offering.

This feature will be available only via USB-C connection, as wireless Bluetooth connections do not support the required bandwidth for true lossless audio. When connected via USB-C, AirPods Max will unlock studio-grade sound fidelity.

What Is Ultra-Low Latency Audio?

Ultra-low latency means the time between audio being played and heard is drastically reduced. This is particularly beneficial for:

• Gamers who need real-time sound feedback
• Livestreamers who rely on seamless audio and video synchronization
• Music producers who require precise timing for recording and mixing

Apple says that latency through USB-C on AirPods Max will be on par with built-in speakers on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, allowing for real-time, accurate audio response.

Designed for Music Creators

This update also positions AirPods Max as a practical tool for music professionals. With support for Personalized Spatial Audio and head tracking, users can now record, mix, and produce music in immersive audio environments—ideal for workflows in Logic Pro and other audio software.

Apple claims AirPods Max will be the only headphones that allow full creation and mixing in Spatial Audio with head tracking over a USB-C connection. This makes them a unique asset for mobile or studio-based music production.

Wired Audio Support Makes a Return

Another key highlight is that wired audio playback is now officially supported on USB-C AirPods Max. When the USB-C version of the headphones launched in 2024, they surprisingly lacked the ability to play audio over a wired connection. This update not only restores that functionality but enhances it with lossless quality and minimal latency.

Apple is also introducing a new USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable for $39. This accessory allows users to connect to analog sources such as airplane entertainment systems or car stereos, broadening the versatility of the headphones.

Who Can Get the Update?

The new features are available only for AirPods Max with USB-C. If you have the older Lightning version, these upgrades won’t be available. To take advantage of lossless and ultra-low latency features, users will need:

• AirPods Max with USB-C
• A compatible Apple device running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4
• A USB-C connection for audio playback

Why This Update Is Important

This update fills a gap that has existed since Apple Music began offering lossless audio in 2021. Until now, no AirPods model supported true lossless playback. With the USB-C AirPods Max, Apple is finally enabling its flagship headphones to match the audio quality of high-end wired headphones.

It also signals Apple’s renewed interest in wired audio, acknowledging that a cable still matters for the highest-quality audio. The move makes AirPods Max more attractive not just to audiophiles, but also to professionals who need reliability and fidelity for creative work.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of lossless audio and ultra-low latency support transforms the AirPods Max from luxury headphones into pro-level audio tools. Whether you’re a music lover, gamer, content creator, or audio engineer, this update offers powerful new reasons to consider—or reconsider—Apple’s over-ear headphones.