Overview
- Apple's firmware update 7E99 for the USB-C AirPods Max, enabling lossless audio and ultra-low latency, has been delayed due to a bug in iOS 18.4.
- The update was briefly made available but pulled after users reported being unable to install it, with Apple now listing it as 'coming soon' on its support page.
- Lossless audio will offer 24-bit, 48 kHz quality, while ultra-low latency is aimed at improving performance for gamers, livestreamers, and music creators.
- The new features are exclusive to the USB-C AirPods Max, leaving the Lightning version unsupported, a decision that has drawn user criticism.
- This delay highlights ongoing challenges with Apple's software release processes, which have also recently impacted watchOS 11.4 and Siri upgrades.