iOS 18.4 activates three new features for Apple AirPods Max users.

Apple released an updated version of the AirPods Max last year, and although the initial reception was somewhat mixed due to a lack of new features at that time, the arrival of iOS 18.4 has changed the situation for users of the new model. This 2025 model, which includes a USB-C connector, now offers various new tools that are not available in the first generation, which continues to use the Lightning connector.

Among the standout features is support for lossless audio, a significant advancement in sound quality that allows users to enjoy a richer and more detailed listening experience. Unlike formats that use lossy compression, such as MP3, which eliminates data to reduce file size, lossless audio preserves all of the information from the original source. To enjoy this functionality, it is essential to have iOS 18.4 on the iPhone, have performed the necessary firmware update, and use the USB-C cable that comes with the headphones.

Additionally, the new AirPods Max also enable ultra-low latency audio, which reduces the delay between sound production and reception, making it an essential feature in situations where timing is critical, such as in live concerts or online gaming.

Another important improvement is that wired playback is now possible, a limitation that previously existed since the USB-C version could not connect to analog audio sources, such as airplane connectors. Now, after the software updates, this inconvenience has been resolved, providing greater versatility in using the device.

To activate all these new features, users need to install public versions of iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, or iPadOS 18.4 on their devices and follow the instructions for installing the new firmware update on the AirPods.