Apple’s AirPods Max revision last fall was underwhelming. It only brought a few changes: new colors, USB-C, and Personalized Spatial Audio. But now thanks to iOS 18.4, this new AirPods Max model just gained three additional features.
Latest AirPods Max firmware adds three new features
I love my AirPods Pro 2, and a big part of why is that Apple has consistently updated them with powerful new features.
AirPods Max historically haven’t received the same attention. But that’s starting to change thanks to the latest update.
iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4 include support for three new features with Apple’s latest AirPods Max model.
If you use AirPods Max with USB-C, here’s what’s new:
- Lossless audio
- Ultra-low latency audio
- Wired playback is now supported for the first time
These three new features are enabled by a combination of the new software updates and a fresh firmware version Apple just released.
The new firmware is build 7E99.
Release notes for the firmware are as follows:
When used with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later, AirPods Max with USB-C and firmware update 7E99 enable lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio for the ultimate listening experience and even greater performance for music production, content creation, and gaming.
Apple had previously announced that this update was on its way. In that announcement, it shared even more detail, including saying that ultra-low latency audio “significantly lowers lag time, and is on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.”
Checking your AirPods Max firmware and updating
To check which firmware your AirPods Max are currently running, open the Settings app, visit the AirPods Max settings near the top of the screen, then scroll to the bottom where Version is listed.
If your AirPods Max aren’t yet running version 7E99, here’s how Apple recommends triggering the update:
- Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is on. To update your AirPods Max (USB-C), you need iOS or iPadOS 18.4 or later, or macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later.
- Make sure that your AirPods Max are connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
- Plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
- Keep your AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
- Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Check the firmware version again.
If you still can’t update your firmware, reset your AirPods Max, then try to update your firmware again.
What do you think of iOS 18.4’s new AirPods Max features? Let us know in the comments.
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