Apple is set to roll out iOS 18.4 in early April, bringing several improvements across its ecosystem. While the update is expected to expand Apple Intelligence to new regions, improvements to Siri have been delayed. But one of the highlights of this update is the improved audio experience for AirPods Max with USB-C connectivity.
With iOS 18.4, AirPods Max users will gain access to 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio when using a USB-C cable. This upgrade means that listeners can fully appreciate Apple Music’s vast library, which has over 100 million songs in lossless quality. In addition, Apple notes that this feature will allow musicians to “both create and mix in Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking”.
Beyond improved audio quality, the update will introduce ultra-low-latency support for AirPods Max when connected via USB-C. Apple says this will bring latency levels comparable to built-in speakers, making the headphones a viable option for gaming and live streaming where audio delay is a huge factor.
These new audio features will be available not just on iPhones running iOS 18.4 but also on iPads (iPadOS 18.4) and Macs (macOS Sequoia 15.4). This ensures a seamless listening experience across multiple Apple devices.
