When Apple announced an updated version of the AirPods Max last year, the reception was mixed, mainly because there were no new features introduced. However, with the release of iOS 18.4, customers who purchased the new model can now enjoy several new tools. It’s important to note that these new features are only available on the 2025 AirPods Max, which comes with a USB-C connector, and not on the first-generation model that still uses a Lightning connector.
The three new features, which we briefly discussed a week ago, are as follows:
Lossless audio
The most significant new feature for AirPods Max in iOS 18.4 is support for lossless audio. Lossless audio is a type of audio compression that preserves all the original data from a source audio file. Unlike lossy compression formats such as MP3, AAC, or Ogg Vorbis, which permanently remove data deemed less perceivable to human hearing in order to reduce file size, lossless compression retains 100% of the audio information while still achieving some reduction in file size.
To experience lossless audio on your AirPods Max, you must have iOS 18.4 installed on your iPhone, have a necessary firmware update (see below), and use the USB-C cable that came with your headphones.
Ultra-low latency audio
Your AirPods Max (USB-C) now support ultra-low latency, a feature that minimizes the delay between sound production and when it is heard. This technology is essential in situations where timing is crucial, such as live music performances, online gaming, telecommunications, and broadcast production.
… And wired playback
One major critique of the AirPods Max with USB-C was that they could not connect to analog audio sources, such as airplane jacks, unlike the earlier model. However, with the new software updates, that limitation has been resolved.
To activate the new features, you must install public versions of iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, or iPadOS 18.4 on the devices you wish to use. Then, follow the directions to install the new firmware on the AirPods.
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
I finally have RCS on my iPhone, and it’s one of my favorite iOS 18 features
Apple’s Messages app has certainly come a long way. When the first iPhone launched in 2007, it could only send SMS — there weren’t even picture messages. Then it got MMS protocol support in iPhone OS 3.0 with the iPhone 3GS. With iPhone OS 5.0, Apple implemented its own iMessage chat protocol, making it easy for Apple users to communicate with other Apple device users.
However, when it came to messaging Android users, Apple dragged its feet for the longest time, sticking with SMS and MMS, which aren’t encrypted and don’t offer full-quality photo and video sending. It also sparked the whole blue bubble versus green bubble war.
Read more
I tried 4 of the best earbud and phone combos. Here’s which one you should use
When you buy a smartphone from Apple, Samsung, Google, or OnePlus, there’s always going to be the temptation to get a matching set of wireless earbuds to go along with it, as each manufacturer makes its own pair. But what exactly does it mean when you stay loyal to the brand, and is it worth it?
I’ve used the latest phones and earbuds from each manufacturer to find out. Here’s what you need to know — and which pair is the best.
What have I tested?
(From left) OnePlus Buds Pro 3, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Apple AirPods Pro 2 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Read more
The iOS 18.2 update includes a special feature just for iPhone 16 Pro users
If you have an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, updated to iOS 18.2, and regularly use the Voice Memos app, then your phone just got even better if you’re a musician. Originally teased in September’s iPhone 16 event, Layered Recordings is now available in the Voice Memos app with the iOS 18.2 update.
What exactly are Layered Recordings? Basically, you can now add a vocal track layer on top of any existing instrumental recording without the need for headphones. In the iOS 18.2 update, users are now able to play original instrument ideas through the iPhone’s built-in speakers while simultaneously recording vocals with the studio-quality microphone on the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max.
Read more
