Apple Brings Lossless Audio to AirPods Max with iOS 18.4
Click here to jump to the update about the firmware.
Apple’s premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, just got a major audio upgrade with the release of iOS 18.4. Long criticized for lacking true high-fidelity audio support despite their high price tag, the AirPods Max now offer lossless and ultra-low latency audio—a huge win for audiophiles and music lovers deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Here’s everything you need to know about this upgrade, how it works, and what you’ll need to take full advantage of it.
🔍 What’s New for AirPods Max in iOS 18.4?
✅ Lossless Audio Playback
• AirPods Max now support 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio, a major step up from the previously compressed AAC Bluetooth codec.
• This enables more accurate and detailed audio reproduction, closer to the studio master quality that high-resolution streaming services like Apple Music offer.
✅ Ultra-Low Latency
• Latency has been significantly reduced, making AirPods Max more responsive for real-time applications like gaming, live audio monitoring, and even video editing on iPad or Mac.
• Ideal for those using AirPods Max in a professional or creative environment.
🛠️ How Is Lossless Audio Achieved on AirPods Max?
Apple isn’t relying solely on traditional Bluetooth to deliver lossless audio. Instead, this update utilizes a combination of custom wireless codecs and hardware-specific optimizations. It works best under the following conditions:
• USB-C to Lightning connection (or USB-C to USB-C on the updated version)
• iOS 18.4 installed on a paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac
• Lossless or high-res audio tracks played through Apple Music
Note: While true “hi-res lossless” (24-bit/192 kHz) still requires a wired DAC setup, 24-bit/48 kHz is a massive leap forward for wireless audio.
🎵 Why This Matters for Audiophiles
Prior to this update, the AirPods Max delivered excellent sound quality—but still relied on compressed Bluetooth audio formats. With this iOS 18.4 upgrade, Apple finally addresses one of the product’s most common criticisms: the lack of support for lossless streaming, even on its own Apple Music platform.
Now, you can:
• Hear more nuance in tracks with layered instrumentation
• Enjoy clearer separation between vocals and instruments
• Experience improved spatial audio in supported content
Whether you’re listening to classical, jazz, or spatial mixes in Apple Music, the difference is noticeable—especially for trained ears.
🧠 What Else Do You Need?
To take full advantage of the new features:
• Ensure your AirPods Max are updated (updates are installed automatically when charging and near your device).
• Update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 18.4 (or macOS Sequoia 15.4).
• Use Apple Music’s lossless audio settings:
• Go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality
• Enable Lossless Audio and set the appropriate streaming quality
• For best results, use a wired connection where possible (especially for studio monitoring or professional work).
💬 Community and Industry Response
Early impressions from tech reviewers and audiophile communities have been positive. Users report greater clarity, especially in lossless FLAC and ALAC tracks streamed via Apple Music. The ultra-low latency mode also helps reduce lip-sync lag in video playback—a common annoyance with Bluetooth headphones.
This update may also serve as a preview of Apple’s continued push into high-fidelity audio and advanced codecs, potentially foreshadowing similar features for future AirPods models.
📌 Final Thoughts
With iOS 18.4, Apple finally unleashes the full potential of AirPods Max. While it doesn’t yet match the ultra-high-resolution output of wired studio headphones, this update brings the listening experience much closer to that of professional-grade gear—without sacrificing the seamless wireless experience Apple users love.
If you own a pair of AirPods Max, now’s the time to revisit your favorite albums, podcasts, and soundtracks—you may hear them in a whole new way.
Update
🎧 AirPods Max Firmware Updated to Support Lossless Audio & Low Latency Features
With the release of iOS 18.4, Apple officially brought lossless and ultra-low latency audio support to the AirPods Max—answering a long-standing demand from audiophiles. What many users may not realize is that this upgrade also required a firmware update for the AirPods Max themselves, which Apple rolled out silently alongside the iOS release.
🔄 What’s in the New AirPods Max Firmware?
While Apple doesn’t publish detailed changelogs for AirPods firmware, sources confirm that the latest update includes:
• Support for 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio
• Ultra-low latency codec activation, improving sync for video playback and interactive content
• Stability and connection improvements, especially when using USB-C connections on supported devices
• Optimizations for use with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4
This update is critical for unlocking the full benefits of lossless playback, especially in wired listening scenarios.
🛠️ How to Check Your AirPods Max Firmware Version
To see if your AirPods Max have received the update:
1. Connect your AirPods Max to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
3. Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods Max.
4. Scroll down to Firmware Version — the latest version should read 6A325 or later (depending on Apple’s naming).
💡 How to Trigger the Firmware Update
AirPods Max firmware updates install automatically when:
• The headphones are connected to power via Lightning or USB-C
• Your iPhone or iPad is nearby and updated to iOS 18.4
• Bluetooth is enabled
• The AirPods are not in use (leave them idle in their Smart Case)
There is no manual update button, so patience (and proximity) is key.
📌 Why This Matters
This firmware update is what truly enables the AirPods Max to take advantage of the lossless audio and low-latency support introduced in iOS 18.4. Without it, users may not experience the improved fidelity Apple promised—even if their device is up to date.
If you’re a fan of spatial audio, FLAC/ALAC listening, or just want more accurate playback with Apple Music, this update is a must.
✅ Final Tip
Make sure your Lossless Audio setting is turned on in:
Settings > Music > Audio Quality, and set both Streaming and Downloads to Lossless.
Pair that with the new firmware, and your AirPods Max become the audiophile accessory Apple always intended them to be.