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Apple’s Latest AirPods Max Update: What to Expect
Apple is gearing up to release a significant update for its premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, alongside iOS 18.4 in April. This update promises to elevate the listening experience with high-fidelity lossless audio, ultra-low latency, and improved integration with music production tools.
The firmware update, which will be free for AirPods Max with USB-C connectivity, is designed to enhance audio quality across various media—including music, movies, and gaming. Additionally, Apple is expanding its AI-driven Apple Intelligence features to new regions, though improvements to Siri have reportedly been delayed.
With this groundbreaking upgrade, Apple Music subscribers can expect a more immersive listening experience, while music producers and gamers will benefit from near-instantaneous audio response times. Here’s a deeper look at what’s coming with iOS 18.4.
What’s New in iOS 18.4 for AirPods Max?
1. 24-bit, 48 kHz Lossless Audio
Apple is introducing studio-quality sound for AirPods Max via USB-C, offering 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio. This ensures pure, uncompressed sound, ideal for audiophiles and professionals who demand high-fidelity music playback.
2. Expanded Apple Music Lossless Library
With this update, Apple Music subscribers will be able to enjoy a vast collection of over 100 million songs in lossless quality, delivering an unprecedented listening experience.
3. Ultra-Low Latency for Gaming & Production
One of the most anticipated features is ultra-low latency audio, reducing lag to near-zero levels. This improvement makes AirPods Max as responsive as built-in Mac, iPad, and iPhone speakers, significantly enhancing gaming and video playback.
4. Seamless Music Production Integration
For music producers, this update improves compatibility with Logic Pro and other music creation apps, making AirPods Max a more viable tool for professional use.
5. Apple Intelligence Expanding, Siri Delayed
The update also expands Apple Intelligence to more regions, though Apple has announced that Siri’s upgrades will be postponed to a later date.
AirPods Max Pricing in India
The AirPods Max are available in India for ₹59,900, with color options including midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. They can be purchased via Apple’s online store, Apple Store app, and authorized resellers across the country.
What Undercode Says: The Bigger Picture
Apple’s decision to introduce lossless audio and ultra-low latency on the AirPods Max via USB-C raises several questions and insights into the company’s broader strategy. Here’s an analytical take on what this update means:
1. Why USB-C, Not Bluetooth?
Apple’s commitment to USB-C for lossless audio highlights the limitations of Bluetooth technology. Even with advanced codecs, Bluetooth cannot fully support true lossless audio, leading Apple to opt for wired connectivity. This could indicate a future where Apple rethinks wireless audio technology to close the gap.
2. A Step Toward a Studio-Grade Experience
With Logic Pro integration and 24-bit lossless audio, Apple is positioning AirPods Max as a more professional-grade device. This could be an attempt to attract music producers, podcasters, and audio engineers into Apple’s ecosystem.
3. Competing with Hi-Fi Headphones
By offering lossless audio over USB-C, Apple is entering a competitive space dominated by brands like Sony, Sennheiser, and Audeze. However, without high-impedance driver support, AirPods Max may still not fully satisfy audiophile-grade expectations.
4. Expanding the Apple Ecosystem
The seamless Apple Music lossless experience suggests Apple’s long-term strategy of keeping users within its ecosystem. Unlike Spotify HiFi (which remains unreleased) or Tidal, Apple is making lossless a core part of its streaming service, further locking in Apple Music subscribers.
5. Implications for Gaming & Spatial Audio
Ultra-low latency improvements could significantly enhance Apple’s gaming potential, especially with Apple Arcade and cloud gaming services. It also hints at a future where Apple’s Spatial Audio technology becomes more immersive.
6. Siri Delays & Apple Intelligence
While Apple Intelligence is expanding, the delay in Siri improvements suggests that Apple is taking its time to perfect AI-driven voice commands and contextual responses. It could also mean that Apple is reworking Siri’s backend for a major AI-powered overhaul.
7. Future Hardware Possibilities
With the focus on USB-C and lossless audio, could Apple be hinting at a second-generation AirPods Max? A lighter design, improved drivers, or better battery life could be on the horizon.
Fact Checker Results
- Lossless audio via USB-C is confirmed – Apple has officially stated that 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio will be available for AirPods Max with USB-C in April.
- Ultra-low latency improvement is real – Apple’s press release mentions significantly reduced audio lag, making it comparable to Mac’s built-in speakers.
- Siri improvements are indeed delayed – Apple confirmed that updates to Siri will not arrive with iOS 18.4 but may come later.
Apple’s iOS 18.4 update for AirPods Max marks a major step forward in high-quality, low-latency audio—but it also sets the stage for future innovations in Apple’s audio technology.
References:
Reported By: https://zeenews.india.com/technology/apple-to-roll-out-new-update-for-airpods-max-with-ios-18-4-release-in-april-whats-new-2877000.html
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