The recent update to Apple’s AirPods Max last fall fell short of expectations, offering only minor enhancements such as new colors, USB-C support, and Personalized Spatial Audio. However, the arrival of iOS 18.4 has introduced three additional features to this latest AirPods Max version.
New Firmware for AirPods Max Brings Three Exciting Features
As a fan of my AirPods Pro 2, I appreciate how Apple continually enriches them with powerful features. Unfortunately, AirPods Max have not enjoyed the same level of updates until now, thanks to the recent improvements.
The updates available in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4 introduce support for three exciting features with the latest version of AirPods Max.
If you’re utilizing the AirPods Max with USB-C, check out these new features:
- Lossless audio support
- Ultra-low latency audio capability
- First-time support for wired playback
These new capabilities are made possible through a combination of the latest software updates and a new firmware version released by Apple.
The new firmware is build 7E99.
Here are the release notes for the firmware:
When used with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later, AirPods Max with USB-C and firmware update 7E99 enable lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio for a superior listening experience and enhanced performance for music production, content creation, and gaming.
Apple had previously indicated this update was forthcoming and provided further details, noting that ultra-low latency audio significantly reduces lag time, comparable to the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
How to Check Your AirPods Max Firmware and Perform Updates
To see which firmware version your AirPods Max are currently using, open the Settings app, navigate to the AirPods Max settings at the top, and scroll down to find the Version number.
If your AirPods Max aren’t operating on version 7E99 yet, follow these steps as recommended by Apple to initiate the update:
- Ensure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is activated. To successfully update your AirPods Max (USB-C), you must have iOS or iPadOS 18.4 or later, or macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later.
- Confirm that your AirPods Max are connected through Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Connect your device to Wi-Fi.
- Insert the charging cable into the bottom-right earcup, and connect the other end to a USB charger or port.
- Keep your AirPods Max within Bluetooth range of your device for at least 30 minutes to allow the firmware to update.
- Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Check the firmware version again to confirm the update.
If the firmware still doesn’t update, consider resetting your AirPods Max and trying the update process once more.
What do you think about the new features in iOS 18.4 for AirPods Max? Share your thoughts in the comments.
