Apple's highly anticipated firmware update for AirPods Max headphones, which promises to bring lossless and low-latency audio support, has hit an unexpected roadblock. The company confirmed that users are currently unable to download the new firmware version 7E99 due to a software conflict with iOS 18.4.
The firmware update was scheduled to release alongside iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 on Monday. However, AirPods Max owners quickly reported they could not install the update on their devices.
The new firmware was set to introduce 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio capabilities, allowing users to experience music at studio-quality levels. This feature would have been particularly beneficial for music creators using Logic Pro and other professional audio applications.
Apple has acknowledged the issue by updating its AirPods firmware support page, where version 7E99 is now listed as "coming soon." The company will likely need to release a point update to its operating systems to resolve the bug.
The update process typically requires users to connect their AirPods Max via Bluetooth to a device running the latest operating system, ensure Wi-Fi connectivity, and plug in the USB-C charging cable. However, these steps currently prove ineffective due to the software conflict.
While Apple has not provided specific details about the cause of the issue or an exact timeline for the fix, the company is expected to address the problem in an upcoming software update. Users will need to wait for further announcements before they can access the new audio features.