Apple Releases New AirPods Max Firmware With Lossless and Low-Latency Audio Support [Updated]

by

Update 4/2/25: Apple has updated an AirPods support page to indicate that the AirPods Max (USB-C) firmware update version 7E99 is now "coming soon." The original article continues below.

Apple today released a new firmware update for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max headphones. The new firmware is version 7E99, up from the prior 7A291 firmware the device was previously running.

Airpods Max Feature Green Triad
When paired with the iOS 18.4 update, the new AirPods Max firmware brings lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to the USB-C version of the headphones. The USB-C AirPods Max support 24-bit 48 kHz lossless audio, which is designed to allow listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio. Apple says lossless audio and Personalized Spatial Audio offer a “more sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive experience.”

With lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio support, music creators are able to use the AirPods Max to create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, with just a USB-C cable and a Mac with Logic Pro or other music creation software.

Lossless audio and ultra-low latency is only available for the USB-C AirPods Max. The headphones need to be running the latest firmware and need to be paired with a device running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4.

Firmware can be installed by putting the AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi, and then plugging them in to charge. It can take up to 30 minutes for firmware to update.

You can check your firmware version by going to Settings > Bluetooth and selecting the Info button next to the AirPods Max when they are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Read Full Article • 56 comments
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Read Full Article • 205 comments
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...
Read Full Article • 20 comments
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Read Full Article • 62 comments

Top Rated Comments

nicolas17 Avatar
nicolas17
22 weeks ago

Looks like the doubters are wrong, Apple can do lossless over bluetooth on their own headphones after all.
Where did you see that lossless is over Bluetooth? Apple's announcement makes it quite clear you have to use the USB-C cable.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
swrobel Avatar
swrobel
22 weeks ago

The new functionality, no.
So it's literally plug into your iPhone with a USB-C cable and you can have lossless? We truly have come full circle. Courage.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
novagamer Avatar
novagamer
22 weeks ago

So is this available over Bluetooth or not...?
The update, yes.

The new functionality, no.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mlenger Avatar
mlenger
22 weeks ago
No update for the lightning version? I thought the only difference was the USB-C connector because of the EU ruling.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wwinter86 Avatar
wwinter86
22 weeks ago

Not enough bandwidth.

Lightning can support USB 3.0 speeds, but in most of the controllers only USB 2.0 is supported. No idea why they did this. The only Lightning device I know of with USB 3.0 was the OG iPad Pro, but there may have been others.
USB 2.0 can support 48 kHz 24 bit lossless audio.
“
USB 2.0 can handle 48 kHz lossless audio without any issues. USB 2.0 provides a maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbps (megabits per second). Lossless audio at 48 kHz with 24-bit depth in stereo typically requires around 2.3 Mbps. Even if you have multiple audio channels or higher sample rates, USB 2.0 offers more than sufficient bandwidth for lossless audio streaming.

It's worth noting that USB 2.0 is widely used in professional audio interfaces and equipment.”
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
teknikal90 Avatar
teknikal90
22 weeks ago
im willing to bet noone on macrumors (likely over the age of 35 on average) will be able to tell the difference.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments