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AirPods Max (USB-C version) wired audio impressions

I haven’t been able to tell the difference yet, but it seems like you need Bluetooth for it to work properly. It’s strange because not all the features are available just using weird. The sound is a bit worse when I use it with just the cable, but that might just be me. Will give it some time
 
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It's not working for me, yet at least. Do you put them back into the case or just leave them out of the case connected to power?
 
Lk52461 said:
I haven’t been able to tell the difference yet, but it seems like you need Bluetooth for it to work properly. It’s strange because not all the features are available just using weird. The sound is a bit worse when I use it with just the cable, but that might just be me. Will give it some time
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So the sound quality is worse with lossless? That can’t be right
 
It finally works! And I've read on Reddit that it works with any USB-C to USB-C cable, AND your phone can charge the APM while plugged in!
 
Lk52461 said:
I haven’t been able to tell the difference yet, but it seems like you need Bluetooth for it to work properly. It’s strange because not all the features are available just using weird. The sound is a bit worse when I use it with just the cable, but that might just be me. Will give it some time
Click to expand...
Just like my Sony WF1000XM4 😆
 
Unfortunately getting a consistent reoccurring robotic sound issue when using on a windows pc with a cable.
 
bryo said:
Unfortunately getting a consistent reoccurring robotic sound issue when using on a windows pc with a cable.
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USB-C > jack or USB-C? Front or back? I've tried plugging it into my Windows PC and it's working flawlessly.
 
UK users - it's finally rolled out to the UK too, just checked mine. We didn't get the bugged firmware when it came out, and the Apple support page still shows the old firmware version, but it's definitely now available to us...

Screenshot 2025-04-03 at 10.50.55.jpg
 
The update was available here in Germany last night, no probs with that.
Now, after some testing, I noticed that the max. volume output via USB-C is very low, compared to bluetooth or wired via 3,5 mm jack. Anyone else?
 
polle_polli said:
The update was available here in Germany last night, no probs with that.
Now, after some testing, I noticed that the max. volume output via USB-C is very low, compared to bluetooth or wired via 3,5 mm jack. Anyone else?
Click to expand...

yeah I noticed exactly the same.

Sound quality wise, I think there’s definitely a jump in quality when playing lossless stereo tracks.

Spatial Audio tracks will always sound lossy because the source files are lossy
 
polle_polli said:
The update was available here in Germany last night, no probs with that.
Now, after some testing, I noticed that the max. volume output via USB-C is very low, compared to bluetooth or wired via 3,5 mm jack. Anyone else?
Click to expand...
That’s disappointing loudness is something I care about, is it much lower, it’s like Dolby atmos again where it made the sound lower
 
Maybe I didn’t pay attention enough but I switched between Bluetooth off and on quite a bit with the AirPods hooked up to my phone on USB-C and I didn’t notice any max volume issues. I can run them on max volume and it doesn’t make my ears bleed, but I already could do that on any mode. They just aren’t that loud as a set kd headphones in my experience.

Edit: looked into this more and I do have a volume discrepancy…however mine is backwards from stated here. With the AirPods plugged in, Bluetooth on is louder than Bluetooth off. So with my default of Bluetooth being on, the AirPods perform fine plugged in. Essentially, I have no reason to turn Bluetooth off since when plugged in via cable they still resort to USB/lossless.
 
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I just got firmware update on my AirPods Max. It’s now 7E101. I also received some notification saying „plug in AirPods Max with USB-c cable to your phone to get lossless audio”. I’m not sure if that was the trigger to do the firmware update.
 
Qubelek said:
I just got firmware update on my AirPods Max. It’s now 7E101. I also received some notification saying „plug in AirPods Max with USB-c cable to your phone to get lossless audio”. I’m not sure if that was the trigger to do the firmware update.
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That happened for me after I was updated.
 
Leyf said:
USB-C > jack or USB-C? Front or back? I've tried plugging it into my Windows PC and it's working flawlessly.
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Usbc, it only happens after 10 minutes or so. Some folks on reddit had the same issue and suggested disabling “allows devices to take exclusive control” fixes it.
 
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