


Apple just announced a notable firmware update for the AirPods Max with USB-C as part of iOS 18.4, so how does the new model now compare to the original Lightning version of AirPods Max?
In late 2020, Apple announced the AirPods Max, a whole new AirPods variant with an over-ear design. In September 2024, the company refreshed the AirPods Max's selection of color options and swapped the Lightning port for USB-C.
There were no other differences between the devices, but the USB-C version did not support wired audio input. This meant that you could not connect the headphones to in-flight entertainment systems, games consoles, or other devices, or benefit from the enhanced audio and reduced latency that comes with a wired connection. iOS 18.4 restores this functionality to the AirPods Max with USB-C and Apple is now selling a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable.
However, the firmware update also brings some additional features to the AirPods Max with USB-C that the Lightning version will not gain. Back in 2021, Apple said that when a 24-bit, 48 kHz Apple Music lossless track is played from an iPhone into the AirPods Max using a Lightning cable and a Lightning-to-3.5mm dongle, the audio is converted to analog and then re-digitized to 24-bit, 48 kHz. The re-digitization is not an identical match to the source and Apple was not able to say that it is true lossless audio, but it is better than Bluetooth.
Now, Apple is confidently touting that the AirPods Max with USB-C support "24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via a USB-C to USB-C cable. This makes for a clear point of difference between the AirPods Max with Lightning and AirPods Max with USB-C.
In addition, Apple seems to be making a distinction between the implicit reduced latency audio offered by the Lightning version and "ultra-low" latency audio on the USB-C version. Following the recent announcement, all of the differences between the AirPods Max with Lightning and AirPods Max with USB-C are as follows:
AirPods Max (Lightning) | AirPods Max (USB-C) |
---|---|
Lightning port | USB-C port |
Enhanced audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable | "24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable |
Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable | |
Reduced latency audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable | "Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable |
Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable | |
Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green | Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange |
Released December 2020 | Released September 2024 |
Now discontinued | $549 |
The original AirPods Max with Lightning are still widely available through third-party retailers and often at significantly lower prices than the $549 USB-C model. For many people, especially those looking for premium over-ear headphones without the steep cost, the Lightning version remains a good choice. They offer the same design, exceptional build quality, active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio support as the newer model. If you primarily use AirPods Max wirelessly for music, videos, or casual listening, and have no interest in wired lossless audio or creator-focused features, the Lightning version offers much of the same experience at a better value.
On the other hand, the USB-C AirPods Max are now the clear choice for audiophiles, creators, or anyone who wants the best possible wired audio quality and future-facing functionality. Thanks to iOS 18.4, the USB-C model can deliver 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when used with a USB-C to USB-C cable, a capability the Lightning version can't match. It also unlocks unique features like Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio and the ability to create or mix content with Spatial Audio and head tracking—something that will appeal to musicians, producers, or advanced users working in Apple's ecosystem.
AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the USB-C version may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. Both sets of AirPods Max often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
The above is the detailed content of AirPods Max With Lightning vs. USB-C Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Apple recently unveiled the 11th-generation iPad, introducing several small upgrades that enhance its popular predecessor. Here's everything that's new.Arriving two and a half years after the previous model, the new iPad offers a modest spec bump, wi

Apple's new iPad Air contains the M3 chip, upgraded from the M2 chip in the previous generation, so how much better really is M3?With the introduction of the M3 series in 2023, encompassing the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips, Apple once again set new b

Apple just announced a new MacBook Air, introducing its latest chip, an enhanced camera, and a striking new color option. Simultaneously, it discontinued the two previous generations. So how does the new model compare?Before the introduction of the l

The new Mac Studio with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chip launches tomorrow. Ahead of time, the first reviews of the device have been shared by select publications and YouTube channels.This is the first Mac Studio refresh since the desktop computer was up

On iPhone 16 models, Visual Intelligence lets you use the camera to learn more about places and objects around you. It can also summarize text, read text out loud, translate text, search Google for items, ask ChatGPT, and more. And thanks to iOS 18.4

Apple just announced a notable firmware update for the AirPods Max with USB-C as part of iOS 18.4, so how does the new model now compare to the original Lightning version of AirPods Max?In late 2020, Apple announced the AirPods Max, a whole new AirPo

The seventh-generation iPad Air arrives just ten months after the previous model. Last year, the biggest change was the introduction of an all-new 13-inch model. With the latest refresh, the most significant upgrade is the move to the M3 chip.The 20

Apple now sells three different keyboards, with one for each member of the iPad lineup with the exception of the iPad mini, which is too small for a keyboard. The iPad mini is compatible with Bluetooth keyboards only.While choosing between iPad keybo


Hot AI Tools

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover

AI Hentai Generator
Generate AI Hentai for free.

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Dreamweaver Mac version
Visual web development tools

MinGW - Minimalist GNU for Windows
This project is in the process of being migrated to osdn.net/projects/mingw, you can continue to follow us there. MinGW: A native Windows port of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC), freely distributable import libraries and header files for building native Windows applications; includes extensions to the MSVC runtime to support C99 functionality. All MinGW software can run on 64-bit Windows platforms.

MantisBT
Mantis is an easy-to-deploy web-based defect tracking tool designed to aid in product defect tracking. It requires PHP, MySQL and a web server. Check out our demo and hosting services.

Atom editor mac version download
The most popular open source editor

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor
