It’s perhaps surprising that Apple’s AirPods Max have, up until now, lacked the option to use their USB-C connection for transmitting high-quality, low-latency audio. Thanks to a new software update, though, this fairly commonly found feature will soon be coming to Apple’s flagship headphones, and the company is keen to talk up its benefits for music producers.
For music listeners, the new wired functionality will “unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio,” says Apple. However, it will also enable low-latency performance, which is essential if you want to use the AirPods Max for music making.
If you happen to be using Logic Pro, you’ll also be able to create and mix using Personalized Spatial Audio with headtracking. Support for these features was implemented in Logic Pro for AirPods users back in 2022, but only now can you take advantage of them using a wired, low-latency connection.
In fact, Apple claims that “AirPods Max will become the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.”
On another note, plugging in a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (Apple is now selling its own all-in-one cable for $39/£39) means that you can also now use your AirPods Max with old-school minijack ports, such as those you’d find on an aeroplane or a multitude of synths and other music-making gear.
The firmware update will be available in April via iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4. You can find out more about the AirPods Max, which cost $549/£499 and are available in five colours, on the Apple website.
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