Why You Should Think Twice Before Believing Apple’s Lossless Audio Claims for AirPods Max

Apple has recently announced an exciting update for the AirPods Max. Starting next month, these headphones will support lossless audio and ultra-low latency, thanks to an upcoming firmware update that will coincide with the launch of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4.

So, what does lossless audio mean? Normally, when music files are stored, they are compressed. This can affect sound quality. Formats like MP3 and Apple’s own AAC reduce file size but lose some audio data in the process. On the other hand, lossless formats, such as Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), keep the original audio intact. Apple Music offers over 100 million tracks encoded in both formats.

In a recent social media post, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s marketing chief, touted these audio upgrades as the "ultimate" enhancements for the AirPods Max, promising "mind-blowing sound quality." However, there’s a catch. Apple’s own support documentation claims that the difference between AAC and lossless audio is "virtually indistinguishable" to most listeners. This raises questions about the actual significance of the upgrade. If lossless audio doesn’t provide a noticeable improvement, is calling it the "ultimate" upgrade just marketing fluff?

Additionally, while ultra-low latency sounds impressive, it doesn’t directly enhance sound quality. It’s primarily intended for a more seamless listening experience.

Many users are skeptical. For example, a tweet from tech reviewer Quinn Nelson humorously pointed out that most people, including someone with Joswiak’s experience, might not be able to tell the difference in sound quality.

This kind of back-and-forth online reflects a broader trend of consumer scrutiny over tech claims. A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 61% of consumers are cautious about new tech promises. Many users now seek proof of performance before investing in new products.

In summary, while the AirPods Max gain new features, it seems they might not be as groundbreaking as Apple suggests. Whether they truly deliver an extraordinary audio experience remains to be seen. Until then, it’s important for consumers to research and consider what they genuinely need in their tech devices.

For more insights, you can visit Apple’s support page here.

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