A significant leap forward in audio quality is on the horizon for Apple's premium over-ear headphones. The tech giant has announced that a forthcoming software update will introduce both lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio capabilities to the AirPods Max lineup, set to roll out in April. This development comes as a welcome change for many users who may have assumed these features would never be integrated into their devices. Since their debut in 2020, followed by a minor refresh in 2024, the AirPods Max have lacked support for lossless audio, despite its availability on Apple Music since 2021.

Lossless audio represents a step up in sound fidelity, though it necessitates greater bandwidth usage, which is likely why wireless connectivity won't accommodate this feature. Instead, users can expect top-tier audio quality of up to 24-bit, 48 kHz when connected via a USB-C cable to compatible Apple devices. Additionally, the inclusion of ultra-low latency audio opens new doors for creative professionals, allowing musicians to leverage the AirPods Max for recording and mixing music with unprecedented precision.

The enhancements will require users to physically connect their AirPods Max using the supplied USB-C cable to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. These updates are slated to arrive through iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, all expected to launch in April. By embracing these advanced audio technologies, Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to elevating user experiences while pushing the boundaries of what wearable tech can achieve in terms of audio performance and versatility.