Apple promised lossless audio and ultra-low latency for its AirPods Max headphones via a firmware update alongside iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4. This was welcome news for AirPods Max owners, whose premium headphones had lagged behind the AirPods Pro in recent feature updates. However, the much-anticipated firmware update (version 7E99) failed to materialize, leaving many users disappointed.
Apple quietly added a “coming soon” note to its support page, confirming the delay. Speculation quickly arose online, with one prominent theory suggesting an error in the update file itself, causing iOS and macOS to search for the firmware in the wrong locations. This would require additional software updates to rectify the issue.
While there’s been no official explanation from Apple, the delay is undoubtedly frustrating for users who were eagerly anticipating the improved audio quality and reduced latency. The situation highlights a larger problem: Apple’s opaque and inconsistent firmware update process for its AirPods.
Unlike most other headphone manufacturers, Apple lacks a clear, user-controlled update mechanism. Updates happen seemingly at random, in the background, requiring the headphones to be near a charging iPhone. The absence of a simple “update now” button is a glaring omission that needs addressing in future iOS versions. A straightforward update process would significantly improve the user experience.
On a more positive note, Apple also released a new USB-C to 3.5mm cable for the AirPods Max. This cable functions immediately without requiring any firmware updates, allowing users to connect the headphones to devices with traditional headphone jacks. While a positive addition, it doesn’t compensate for the missing audio features.
In conclusion, the delay of the AirPods Max firmware update is a significant stumble for Apple. The lack of transparency surrounding the delay and the overall cumbersome update process are major concerns. Hopefully, Apple will swiftly resolve the firmware issues and improve the update process for future releases. Until then, AirPods Max owners will have to patiently wait for the promised enhancements.
