Apple is set to release iOS 18.4 in early April, bringing new features for AirPods Max (USB-C model) and enabling Apple Intelligence in new regions. This update allows AirPods Max to play 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio using a USB-C cable, providing access to over 100 million lossless songs on Apple Music. It also enables musicians to create and mix with Personalized Spatial Audio and offers ultra-low-latency audio for gaming and livestreaming. Additionally, Apple introduces a $39 3.5mm to USB-C adapter for high-quality wired listening, allowing connections to non-USB-C devices and offering reverse compatibility for various uses.
Apple is set to launch iOS 18.4 in early April, bringing Apple Intelligence to new regions, although enhancements to Siri have been postponed. The company announced today that the update will also introduce new features to the USB-C version of AirPods Max.
With the provided USB-C cable, AirPods Max will support 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio playback. This upgrade will allow users to experience over 100 million songs in lossless audio format available on Apple Music. Moreover, it will “enable musicians to create and mix using Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.”
Furthermore, connecting via the cable will facilitate ultra-low-latency audio on the headphones. According to Apple, this performance is comparable to built-in speakers, making it ideal for gaming and livestreaming activities.
Lossless and ultra-low-latency audio will be enabled on the AirPods Max with the iOS 18.4 update
These functionalities will be available for AirPods Max with a USB-C connection to iPhones (running iOS 18.4), iPads (with iPadOS 18.4), and Macs (operating on macOS Sequoia 15.4).
Additionally, Apple is introducing a new way to experience high-quality, low-latency wired listening with a $39 3.5mm to USB-C adapter. It’s worth noting that the company already offers a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter; the new version, however, allows the AirPods Max to connect to devices that don’t have USB-C ports (such as on an airplane).
Interestingly, this adapter will also work in reverse, allowing you to connect an iPhone or iPad to the audio-in port of a car, for example.
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