Note: This article was first published on 25 March 2025 and was updated on 2 April 2025 with availability news and instructions on how to update your AirPods Max with USB-C.
Apple updated the AirPods Max with a USB-C port last September. Photo: HWZ
Apple has released the firmware update that will enable the AirPods Max with USB-C to support lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio.
With the firmware update, the AirPods Max with USB-C will be able to support lossless audio up to 24-bit, 48kHz. This also means it will be able to support lossless personalised spatial audio.
However, it’s crucial to note that this feature requires a USB-C to USB-C cable. In other words, a wired connection is necessary. The AirPods Max cannot support wireless lossless audio—in fact, only a handful of wireless headphones relying on Bluetooth technology can.
This is a feature that was sorely missing on Apple’s flagship headphones. And it’s especially glaring because Apple started adding lossless music to its entire catalogue of music back in 2021.
Additionally, the firmware update will also enable the AirPods Max with USB-C to support ultra-low latency audio, which could be beneficial to professionals who rely on the AirPods Max for sound production. This feature requires either a USB-C to USB-C cable or a USB-C to 3.5mm cable.
Finally, note that these features only apply to the newer AirPods Max with USB-C that was announced last September. The older AirPods Max that rely on the Lightning port will not be able to support these new features.
How to update your AirPods Max?
Unfortunately, unlike your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, there's no direct way to instruct your AirPods Max to download and install new firmware. However, here's what you can do:
- Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.4
- Charge your AirPods Max and put it within Bluetooth range of your iPhone
- Wait 30 minutes
- Then check if your AirPods Max has the latest firmware
To check your AirPods Max's firmware, Go to Settings, tap on your AirPods Max, scroll to the bottom and look for the field "Version". It should say "7E101"—the latest firmware version number.
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