Apple downplays significance of upcoming lossless audio support for AirPods Max

Apple downplays significance of upcoming lossless audio support for AirPods Max

Apple Enhances AirPods Max with Lossless Audio Support

In an exciting announcement yesterday, Apple revealed that the upcoming updates for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4 will include significant enhancements for AirPods Max. Chief among these enhancements is the introduction of lossless audio support, specifically for the USB-C version of the headphones. Alongside this feature, users can also look forward to improvements in audio latency, promising an ultra-responsive listening experience.

Details from Apple’s Marketing Chief

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s marketing chief, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce these changes. He stated, “Next month AirPods Max are leveling up with lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio—bringing you mind-blowing sound quality. Whether you’re a music creator or music lover, this is the ultimate audio upgrade!”This statement sets high expectations for the audio quality that will soon be available to users.

Understanding Lossless Audio

Lossless audio refers to sound quality that is uncompressed, allowing listeners to enjoy music as it was originally intended. Audio files are typically compressed using various formats to decrease their size. Among the popular lossy formats are MP3 and WAV, which reduce file size but may also lose some sound quality in the process. On the other hand, Apple’s Advanced Audio Codec (AAC) format minimizes data loss, preserving most of the original content in its audio files. Notably, the entire Apple Music catalog utilizes AAC alongside the lossless compression standard known as Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC).

Is It Really an Upgrade?

Interestingly, an official support document from Apple, referenced by Macrumors, suggests that Apple’s AAC format already provides audio quality that is “virtually indistinguishable”from original studio recordings. The company goes on to assert that “the difference between AAC and lossless audio is virtually indistinguishable.”This raises questions about the accuracy of marketing the lossless feature as an “ultimate”upgrade, leading many to speculate that this claim may be more about generating excitement than delivering substantial improvements.

The Impact of Lower Latency

While the addition of ultra-low latency audio is promising for better synchrony between sound and video, it is essential to clarify that this improvement does not inherently enhance the quality of sound itself. The focus on lowering latency is more about delivering a seamless listening experience rather than altering the audio quality.

In summary, as Apple rolls out these updates, it remains to be seen how impactful these features will be for users. For now, many audiophiles and casual listeners alike are eager to test the new capabilities of the AirPods Max.

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