AirPods Max users running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 are unable to download the recently-released AirPods Max firmware, due to a software bug in the new operating systems, which were released earlier this week.
MacRumors reports users are finding that they are unable to download the latest AirPods Max firmware, which brings lossless and low-latency support to the headphones.
Apple on Monday released new firmware for its USB-C AirPods Max headphones. The new firmware has a build number of 7E99, up from the prior 7A291 firmware.
When paired with a device running iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4., the new firmware brings lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to the USB-C version of the AirPods Max headphones. The USB-C AirPods Max support 24-bit 48 kHz lossless audio. Apple says lossless audio and Personalized Spatial Audio offer a “more sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive experience.”
Also on Monday, Apple released its iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 software updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Since then, AirPods Max owners have found that they cannot successfully update their headphones due to an unspecified conflict with the firmware and Apple’s latest software.
While it hasn’t been confirmed what the issue is in the iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, Apple will likely need to release a minor update to its operating systems to correct the bug.
Apple currently lists the unobtainable firmware version 7E99 for AirPods Max as “coming soon” on its AirPods firmware support page.
