# Apple’s USB-C AirPods Max Finally Receive Lossless Audio and Ultra-Low Latency Support
Apple has provided a strong motivation for users to transition to the USB-C variant of the AirPods Max. In a fresh announcement, the company verified that a software update will introduce **lossless audio** and **ultra-low latency audio**, two highly anticipated features that greatly improve the listening experience.
## Lossless Audio Arrives on AirPods Max
Per Apple’s [press release](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/03/lossless-audio-and-ultra-low-latency-audio-come-to-airpods-max/), the USB-C AirPods Max will offer support for **24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio**. This allows users to experience music at higher fidelity, maintaining the authenticity of original recordings.
Even more thrilling is that **Personalized Spatial Audio** will continue to be accessible while enjoying lossless audio. This guarantees that users won’t have to compromise immersive 3D sound for high-quality music.
However, it’s critical to note that **lossless audio functionality will only be available when utilizing the provided USB-C cable** with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Wireless playback via Bluetooth will not allow lossless music due to bandwidth constraints.
## Ultra-Low Latency for Gamers and Streamers
Beyond lossless audio, Apple is also launching **ultra-low latency audio**, a feature particularly advantageous for gamers and live streamers. This enhancement ensures that audio response times are considerably quicker, providing a smoother and more engaging gaming and streaming experience.
For competitive gamers, this translates to **no perceptible delay between in-game actions and corresponding sound effects**, which can be vital in high-speed games. Likewise, live streamers will benefit from **enhanced audio synchronization**, minimizing lag between visual and audio elements.
## Exclusively for USB-C AirPods Max
It is crucial to understand that **this update is limited to the USB-C variant of the AirPods Max**. The original model, which has a Lightning port, does not offer lossless audio support. This positions the USB-C AirPods Max as only the second headphone line by Apple to feature lossless playback, following the **Beats Studio Pro**.
## A Much-Needed Enhancement
At the time of the **USB-C AirPods Max** launch, many users felt let down as the new model was nearly a carbon copy of the original, with only new colors and a port shift. Additionally, the absence of lossless support at the launch raised doubts about the upgrade’s value.
Now, with the introduction of **iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4**, Apple is finally fulfilling a demand that many audiophiles and professionals have long expressed. A firmware update for AirPods Max is also anticipated to activate these newly added features.
## Is It Worth Upgrading?
Although the introduction of **lossless audio and ultra-low latency** boosts the appeal of the USB-C AirPods Max, it is essential to acknowledge that they still operate using the **older H1 chip**. As such, they **lack some of the advanced functionalities** present in the **AirPods Pro 2**, such as Adaptive Audio and enhanced noise cancellation.
For users who **value high-quality wired audio and gaming performance**, this update renders the USB-C AirPods Max a significantly more attractive choice. However, those who already have the original Lightning version may want to contemplate the necessity of the upgrade.
With this long-anticipated update, Apple has finally offered users a **genuine reason to consider the USB-C AirPods Max**—particularly for individuals who are interested in **lossless music and low-latency gaming**.
