The AirPods Max Review
Apple has converted the AirPods Max from luxury lifestyle accessory to a legitimate audiophile contender, while sneakily preserving every software trick that made them popular in the first place.
Firmware 7E101 unlocks true 24-bit fidelity and studio-grade latency.
Why the Update Matters
When Apple quietly refreshed the AirPods Max last autumn, the switch from Lightning to USB-C looked cosmetic. Six months later, firmware 7E101 has transformed those same headphones into a markedly more capable set of cans. The update re-enables wired playback (missing since the Lightning model) and pushes bit-perfect audio up to 24-bit / 48 kHz from any USB-C source, not just Apple hardware.
Lossless Over a Single Cable
Plug the included USB-C cable into a high-resolution player and the Max leapfrog Bluetooth’s lossy ceiling, revealing finer treble textures and a cleaner noise floor. Apple’s own Eric Treski claims most listeners will hear “extra clarity in the upper registers,” and discerning ears should notice a tighter, more articulate stage.
Latency Low Enough for Musicians
Apple didn’t stop at fidelity. The same wired path slashes round-trip latency to the point where Logic Pro or GarageBand feels instantaneous—no more “hit the pad, wait for the bing.” That makes the Max viable for real-time tracking, beat-making, and even live instrument monitoring. A separate USB-C-to-3.5 mm cable ($39) broadens compatibility to synths, pedals, and mixers.
Bluetooth “Magic” Still Intact
Even in wired mode the headset keeps Siri, ANC, Transparency, and on-ear controls alive by running Bluetooth concurrently. The result is a hybrid workflow: audiophile-grade audio when you need it, seamless ecosystem perks when you don’t.
The TACTIC FLEX Take
Pros
- Genuine lossless performance without an external DAC
- Ultra-low latency unlocks creation, not just consumption
- Retains Apple’s best-in-class ANC and Transparency
Cons
- Still heavy and desk-bound compared with flagship open-backs
- $549 MSRP leaves fierce competition (Focal Bathys, Sony WH-1000XM6) breathing down its mesh earcups
- Extra 3.5 mm cable costs extra
Should You Upgrade?
Current Lightning-version owners will not gain lossless or near-zero latency: the hardware path is USB-C-only. If production, gaming, or bit-perfect playback is central to your workflow, the new Max finally justify their premium. Casual listeners who prize convenience over purity can safely hold off.
Verdict
Apple has converted the AirPods Max from luxury lifestyle accessory to a legitimate audiophile contender—while sneakily preserving every software trick that made them popular in the first place. The 7E101 update is more than a patch; it’s a paradigm shift for wireless-first headphones. For creators and critical listeners alike, the Max have never sounded—or responded—better.