In this year’s update, Apple’s AirPods Max did not receive a complete overhaul into AirPods Max 2; instead, the change was focused on transitioning to USB-C and introducing new colors. Regrettably, the latest USB-C version has omitted a notable feature that the original model supported.
Wired playback is not an option on AirPods Max with USB-C
The previous AirPods Max using Lightning are largely similar to the refreshed USB-C version, aside from the different charging port and color variations.
However, one significant advantage existed with the original AirPods Max.
They enabled wired playback.
With Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, users could link their Lightning AirPods Max to any standard headphone jack for wired listening.
This functionality proved to be extremely useful on flights, during podcast recordings, and across multiple other scenarios. While it didn’t technically allow for lossless audio playback, having a wired option was certainly beneficial.
As discussed on a recent episode of the DMN Happy Hour podcast, Apple made a significant tweak with the new AirPods Max.
Currently, there is no option for wired playback with the USB-C AirPods Max.
Simply connecting through USB-C won’t work, and Apple offers no adapters to enable this capability. Users on various Reddit threads have shared their efforts to achieve wired playback through different third-party adapters, but none have been successful.
Could Apple restore wired support?
All is not lost, however.
There’s always the possibility that Apple might introduce wired playback via a new adapter or through a firmware update for the AirPods Max. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t base any purchasing decisions on this speculation.
For now, at least, the new USB-C AirPods Max lack a key feature that their Lightning predecessors offered.
Are you concerned about this modification? Do you believe Apple will activate wired playback in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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