Apple has officially rolled out lossless audio and ultra-low latency for the AirPods Max (USB-C), following a brief delay. This update brings the over-ear headphones in line with the AirPods Pro, which have received more frequent feature upgrades in recent years.
The firmware update, version 7E101, was initially expected to launch earlier this week alongside iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4. However, Apple encountered a last-minute issue, leading to a “coming soon” notice on its support page. The issue was swiftly resolved, and the update was officially released on Wednesday afternoon.
New USB-C to 3.5mm Cable Also Available
Alongside the update, Apple has also introduced a USB-C to 3.5mm cable for the AirPods Max, priced at $39. This cable enables users to connect their headphones to devices with a traditional headphone jack, providing an alternative wired listening experience.
AirPods Updates Remain Frustratingly Automatic
Despite the improvements, Apple still does not offer a manual update option for AirPods firmware. Users must wait for updates to install automatically when their AirPods are near their iPhone and charging—a process that remains unpredictable. Many competing headphone brands offer a straightforward “update now” button, which Apple users continue to request.
As Apple gears up for iOS 19, many AirPods Max users are hoping for a more user-friendly firmware update system in the future.
