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iOS 18.4 To Add Lossless Audio and Low-Latency Modes to AirPods Max with USB-C Port

Marco Lancaster

March 24, 2025

Apple is gearing up to bring iOS 18.4 in early April. The new update will expand the coverage of Apple Intelligence to more regions. Unfortunately, the new improved Siri won’t come with this release. Still, that should be an interesting update for all users of Apple’s ecosystem. Apple revealed today that iOS 18.4 will add new features to AirPods Max, the version with USB-C.

iOS 18.4 Update Enables Lossless Audio and Low-Latency Modes to AirPods Max

With the new iOS 18.4 update, when using the included USB-C cable, AirPods Max users will be able to play 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio. This will allow users to enjoy the 100+ million songs available in lossless audio format on Apple Music. It will also “enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking”.

Image Credit: Apple

In addition to that, using the cable will enable the ultra-low-latency audio mode. According to Apple, this is on par with built-in speakers and can be used for gaming and livestreaming. The features will be supported on AirPods Max with USB-C connected to iPhones (iOS 18.4), iPads (iPadOS 18.4), and Macs (macOS Sequoia 15.4).

Furthermore, Apple will offer another way to enjoy high-quality, low-latency wired listening. It now offers a $39 3.5mm USB-C adapter. It is worth noting that this is a new product. While the company already has a 3.5mm USB-C adapter, the new one goes the other way and allows the AirPods Max to be connected to devices without USB-C. For instance, you can use it on an Airplane. The adapter will work reversely too.

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Pricing and Availability

• Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio will be available in April as a free firmware update with iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for AirPods Max with USB-C.

• AirPods Max is currently available for $549 (U.S.) in five colors — midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange — from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and through Apple Authorized Resellers.

• USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable will be available today for $39 (U.S.) from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and through Apple Authorized Resellers.

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GSMArena