Apple’s high-end AirPods Max headphones are getting an audio upgrade in April.

In a much-anticipated move, Apple announced that their AirPods Max with USB-C will receive a firmware update in April, harmonizing some of the missing capabilities of the model and enhancing the user experience with lossless audio over a wired connection. The update coincides with the release of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4. For audiophiles and professional users, this update reinstates cabled listening, which offers 'lossless audio', 'ultra-low latency', and high-quality audio transmission at 24-bit, 48kHz quality—a particular boon for those using their AirPods Max for studio work or gaming. This feature, initially available in the original 2020 iterations of the headphones, was previously absent in the latest USB-C model. The reinstatement is likely a positive step for the brand, responding to criticism over the removal of this functionality and improving utility for professional use cases involving high fidelity and real-time audio feedback. The introduction of the USB-C to 3.5mm cable, priced at £39, further supports this functionality although users can alternatively opt for a cheaper £9 USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, compatibility pending confirmation by Apple. Criticism arose surrounding Apple's marketing of the update as the 'ultimate' audio upgrade, with the company admitting in its documentation that the perceived differences between lossy AAC and lossless codecs like ALAC are minimal in everyday listening, a skeptic's point confirmed by industry professionals who challenged the value of the update for non-audiophiles. In the broader context, Apple appears to solidify its partial pivot back to wired connections in response to regulatory and market pressures, such as the EU's common charger mandate, which could explain the regulatory setbacks of a portless iPhone model. As Apple continues to expand audio features through tech updates, this newly announced 'upgrade' attempts to align the product more closely with the needs of its high-end user base. However, one could argue that the 'upgrade' merely restores a removed feature rather than breaking new ground. This move, while restoring functionality, does reflect on Apple's broader strategy of iterative enhancements and market-responsive adjustments—a common practice across its product line, where new technological inclusions and refinements are often cyclic in nature or responsive to regulatory contexts. While some may view this as a full-circle move returning to basics, others may see it as an adaptation necessitated by a fragmented audience who seeks both wireless convenience as well as the auditory precision of wired connections. For prospective buyers, comparing prices between the Lightning and USB-C models is advisable based on prioritized needs such as lossless support and latency.