AirPods Max to get lossless audio and ultra-low latency support

Something to look forward to: Apple is working on an update that will deliver improved audio quality to its AirPods Max headphones, the highest-end option in the AirPods lineup. The new software, due out sometime in April 2025, will enable 24-bit, 48-Hz lossless audio and ultra-low latency, but only in a specific configuration.

Apple introduced its AirPods Max in 2020. The original headphones utilized Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and shipped with a Lightning connector for charging and optional wired playback. A USB-C version was introduced in late 2024 that also allows for audio line-in playback.

Notably, the pending update only applies to the USB-C variant and only when they are connected using the cable. With it, listeners will be able to enjoy more than 100 million songs on Apple Music and other platforms that afford lossless-quality tracks.

Apple said the new features will also benefit music creators, gamers, and ...