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Apple Releases New AirPods Max Firmware With Lossless and Low-Latency Audio Support [Updated]

newton4000 said:
Let's wait and see, but having these, my bet is that once wired, they will sound better than your Meze 99.
However, some people here are randomly saying the Focal Bathys (MG and non Mg) will sound better when both are wired. For sure they will - I have these - they are in a different class - and you can really easily her the lossless versus non-lossless when you compare it on them. They are at a different price point though. And do have some disadvantages though. Not sure why all the hate and random comparisons. It's like someone just gave us a feature on a Toyota Lexus and everyone is complaining it's not a Porsche Cayenne.
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I'm not a hater and honestly do hope they sound better. It's just that most over-ear BT cans are a bit lacking (haven't heard the Bathys). I will probably get the next version of the Max, hoping they cut some weight and figure out lossless over BT.
 
My usb-c AirPods Max can’t update. I tried many things. It’s still on 7A291. Also official Apple page does not say anything about firmware version 7E99 so this article is just a joke? xD
 
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Qubelek said:
My usb-c AirPods Max can’t update. I tried many things. It’s still on 7A291. Also official Apple page does not say anything about firmware version 7E99 so this article is just a joke? xD
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Yes, April fools to us!
 
Schnegg said:
I'm not a hater and honestly do hope they sound better. It's just that most over-ear BT cans are a bit lacking (haven't heard the Bathys). I will probably get the next version of the Max, hoping they cut some weight and figure out lossless over BT.
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Lossless over BT may not be possible with current BT implementations. Android does allow some higher resolutions codecs with Sony and other headphones which are very good. Unfortunately these are locked out by apple. hence the wired solutions.
 
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Lossless or not I’m still very happy with my APM, but Apple needs to be more clear when the firmware update will be released to the public.
 
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Apple‘s AirPods Firmware page was just updated.

About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support

Learn about changes and features included in the firmware updates for your AirPods.
support.apple.com support.apple.com


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Apple has finally admitted they screwed up the firmware update. The support page used to say "To update your AirPods Max (USB-C), you need iOS or iPadOS 18.4 or later, or macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later", and now says "Coming soon" instead.
 
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Reason077 said:
USB 2.0 has hundreds of times the bandwidth needed to support lossless audio. CD-quality uncompressed audio (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) needs 1.4 Mbps. USB 2.0 is 480 Mbps.

Even Bluetooth can support lossless audio with a few tricks/extensions. See "AptX lossless".
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AptX is probably similar to AirPlay ?
AirPlay uses Bluetooth and WiFi.
 
teknikal90 said:
I agree that the difference can be "perceived" using some setups. But with Apple mastered AAC vs Apple Lossless, over Airpods Max specifically, I don't think you'd be able to tell a difference. Any difference would be masked by whatever Adaptive EQ and effects the Airpods would apply. With that set up, I would take a bet over a double blind (ABX) test :)
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One of the things I am looking forward to testing is using Qobuz app on iPhone to the APM with lossless usb-c so I’m not limiting to Apple Music. APM don’t have adaptive eq do they? Also perceived audio quality is definitely something in hifi, such as in DAC performance but in the bit rate of an audio stream it’s pretty real to my ears.
 
Leyf said:
Still nothing new on any of the European pages :( 7A291 is still the latest version there
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Maybe it's because Apple will get EU on their ass and having to pay a fine because ... "Apple is a monopoly" despite Android dominating the EU market.
 
Ianblackburn said:
One of the things I am looking forward to testing is using Qobuz app on iPhone to the APM with lossless usb-c so I’m not limiting to Apple Music. APM don’t have adaptive eq do they? Also perceived audio quality is definitely something in hifi, such as in DAC performance but in the bit rate of an audio stream it’s pretty real to my ears.
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Airpods Max uses adaptive EQ :)
www.apple.com

Apple introduces AirPods Max, the magic of AirPods in a stunning over-ear design

Apple today announced AirPods Max, innovative wireless headphones that bring the magic of AirPods to an over-ear design with high-fidelity audio.
www.apple.com
 
Update: The unpublished files that iOS and macOS were trying to reach seem to be finally populated with details that should allow the update to go through. Will test soon and send an update. Let us know if it works for you!

Note that the build is 7E101 and not 7E99.
 
mactracker said:
Update: The unpublished files that iOS and macOS were trying to reach seem to be finally populated with details that should allow the update to go through. Will test soon and send an update. Let us know if it works for you!

Note that the build is 7E101 and not 7E99.
Click to expand...
Mine updated! Currently connected to MacBook Pro in Logic with USB C cable :cool:
 
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