Apple Releases New AirPods Max Firmware - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases New AirPods Max Firmware

Apple today released a new firmware update for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max headphones. The new firmware is version 7E108, up from the prior 7E101 firmware the device was previously running.

Airpods Max Feature Green Triad
There is no word on what's new in the firmware as of yet, if anything. It is likely that the update focuses on under-the-hood performance improvements.

With the prior 7E101 firmware, Apple added support for lossless audio and ultra low-latency audio for the USB-C AirPods Max, so there could also be a bug fix related to this capability.

The USB-C AirPods Max now support 24-bit 48 kHz lossless audio, which is designed to allow listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio.

Firmware can be installed by putting the AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi, and then plugging them in to charge. It can take up to 30 minutes for firmware to update.

You can check your firmware version by going to Settings > Bluetooth and selecting the Info button next to the AirPods Max when they are connected to an iPhone, ‌iPad‌, or Mac.

Update: Apple's release notes state only that the update delivers "bug fixes and performance improvements" without providing any detail on what has changed.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

iPhone Duo Display Cracking

Apple Alerts Stores to iPhone Duo's Display Cracking Issue

Friday October 30, 2026 3:20 pm PDT by
In a memo shared with Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers this week, and later obtained by MacRumors, Apple provided technicians with guidance on how to diagnose and address the iPhone Duo's inner display cracking issue. If a customer reports the issue, Apple advised technicians to inspect the iPhone Duo and repair or replace it in accordance with their standard procedures....
Everything New Your iPhone Can Do on iOS 27

14 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27.2

Friday October 30, 2026 12:42 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 27.2 on October 26, bringing enhancements to Siri AI, adding Suggestions in Messages, and sneaking in a string of smaller additions across Photos, Podcasts, Games, Apple TV, and FaceTime. iOS 27.2 is available to download to your device now via Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update. Note that some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models....
Pinched iPad Mini

Apple Avoids Showing Pinched Fingers on iPad Mini Page in South Korea

Thursday October 29, 2026 11:52 am PDT by
In the U.S. and most other countries, Apple's website shows the new iPad mini being held by pinched fingers, but this is not the case in South Korea. The new iPad mini shown with pinched fingers on Apple's website in the U.S. On its South Korean website, Apple simply shows an image of the iPad mini on its own. The new iPad mini shown without pinched fingers on Apple's website in South Korea ...

Top Rated Comments

19 months ago
Hopefully no one says noise cancellation got worse.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19 months ago

I'm hoping we get a fat sale on these soon. Considering we won't be getting an upgrade soon with the recent USB-C update and now that it can do "lossless" while wired, they have my interest more than they used to. I'm not an audiophile and would never need anything better than a MX6 or APM. Being deep in the Apple ecosystem makes the extra $100 worth it for the APM.

I just hate how they aren't even sweat resistant and it's advised to not wear them while working out....which is the entire reason I'm wanting a new set of headphones as the noise cancelation on my APP2s has gone to crap. Basically every time I put them on, I have to check to make sure ANC is on because it doesn't seem like it. I need to try cleaning the mics to see if that helps.
Don't bother. I have had mine for 2.5 years and while they sound absolutely amazing, there's SO many things wrong withe overall design that make it not worth it, especially at the eye watering price. I picked up my pair for $429 on sale and it's still too expensive. Here's what the reviews don't tell you:

* The lack of an off switch is super annoying. The fact that "off" is putting them the carrying case is such an weird design choice.
* The case sucks.
* While the ear cups are very comfortable, they get filthy quickly. Cleaning them isn't the easiest and you eventually need to replace them. $70 for new ones from Apple is pricey. Third-party are cheaper, but they don't sound the same.
* Moisture is a thing.
* The APMs loose connectivity frequently and it's maddening to fix it.

Now that I am past my Apple Care window, my APMs won't connect or reset. They are the most disappointing Apple product I have ever owned. They do sound amazing, but the fact that it's been SO DAMN unreliable for something that costs over $500 is pathetic. My kid's Beats Studio Pro's are a MUCH better value. They sound the same, have an off switch, and you can get them new for $169.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JoeG4 Avatar
19 months ago

Don't bother. I have had mine for 2.5 years and while they sound absolutely amazing, there's SO many things wrong withe overall design that make it not worth it, especially at the eye watering price. I picked up my pair for $429 on sale and it's still too expensive. Here's what the reviews don't tell you:

* The lack of an off switch is super annoying. The fact that "off" is putting them the carrying case is such an weird design choice.
* The case sucks.
* While the ear cups are very comfortable, they get filthy quickly. Cleaning them isn't the easiest and you eventually need to replace them. $70 for new ones from Apple is pricey. Third-party are cheaper, but they don't sound the same.
* Moisture is a thing.
* The APMs loose connectivity frequently and it's maddening to fix it.

Now that I am past my Apple Care window, my APMs won't connect or reset. They are the most disappointing Apple product I have ever owned. They do sound amazing, but the fact that it's been SO DAMN unreliable for something that costs over $500 is pathetic. My kid's Beats Studio Pro's are a MUCH better value. They sound the same, have an off switch, and you can get them new for $169.
I bought mine (lightning version) just over a year ago and feel the same, except the sound quality is a mixed bag! The transparency mode truly is incredible.. but the microphones pick up the sound of my hair rustling against the case. Apparently they didn't consider people with long hair? LOL

The sound quality itself is decent... for bluetooth headphones. I was disappointed when I realized a couple of my favorite smooth jazz songs which are fairly heavy on piano don't sound nearly as good on my APMs as they do on my old beat up beyerdynamic dt880s. As that one meme goes: "My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined."

I think the materials and the build are pretty cool, if only the headband didn't have that known issue of stretching out and the swivel joints didn't have that known issue of breaking with time. The case is atrocious and stinks.


At least they feel comfortable on my head, and overall they sound good.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
russell_314 Avatar
19 months ago

Apple today released a new firmware update for the USB-C version of the AirPods Max headphones.
Come on Apple how about Lightning AirPods Max headphones? I feel left out 😂
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19 months ago

Here's what the reviews don't tell you:

* The lack of an off switch is super annoying. The fact that "off" is putting them the carrying case is such an weird design choice.
* The case sucks.
* While the ear cups are very comfortable, they get filthy quickly. Cleaning them isn't the easiest and you eventually need to replace them. $70 for new ones from Apple is pricey. Third-party are cheaper, but they don't sound the same.
* Moisture is a thing.
* The APMs loose connectivity frequently and it's maddening to fix it.


I’m so disappointed, you said that this was “ what the reviews don’t tell you”, but I’ve heard all these complaints in reviews. /J
Another one to add to the list, the top canopy that sits on the top of your head flattens and becomes very uncomfortable as they age, and there is pretty much nothing to do about it. The top part can technically be separated from the headphones, but Apple won’t replace it individually.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19 months ago
Luckily they finally released new version of Sony WH 1000 XM6!!! I have already ordered them and I can finally throw the garbage named airpod Max into the trashcan and I will never return back!!! it was the worst experience with electronics ever
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Nearly Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
Nearly Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
9 hours ago
Apple's HomeView Ships With Six-Month-Old Software
Apple's HomeView Ships With Six-Month-Old Software
11 hours ago
Three New iPads Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2027
Three New iPads Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2027
11 hours ago
Apple Offers Steps to Fix Daylight Saving Time Bug on Apple Watch
Apple Offers Steps to Fix Daylight Saving Time Bug on Apple Watch
15 hours ago
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Hits All-Time Low Price With Amazon's $99 Discount
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Hits All-Time Low Price With Amazon's $99 Discount
1 day ago
Reminder: Apple's Big Discount on Beats 360 Ear Cushions Ends Today
Reminder: Apple's Big Discount on Beats 360 Ear Cushions Ends Today
1 day ago
Here's a New Tour of Apple's HomeView Software
Here's a New Tour of Apple's HomeView Software
1 day ago
Apple Reveals New iPad Mini's Battery Capacity
Apple Reveals New iPad Mini's Battery Capacity
1 day ago
Top Stories: Apple's Big MacBook Pro, iPad mini and iMac Updates
Top Stories: Apple's Big MacBook Pro, iPad mini and iMac Updates
2 days ago
'Pluribus' Season 2 Reportedly Starts Production Today
'Pluribus' Season 2 Reportedly Starts Production Today
2 days ago
iPhone 18 Pro Sales Surge in China, Offsetting Decline in U.S. and Japan
iPhone 18 Pro Sales Surge in China, Offsetting Decline in U.S. and Japan
2 days ago
HomeView Software 27.2: Wallpapers, Control Center, and More
HomeView Software 27.2: Wallpapers, Control Center, and More
2 days ago
Apple Alerts Stores to iPhone Duo's Display Cracking Issue
Apple Alerts Stores to iPhone Duo's Display Cracking Issue
2 days ago
iOS 27.3 Will Enable These Apple Intelligence Features in China
iOS 27.3 Will Enable These Apple Intelligence Features in China
2 days ago
Apple Says iOS 27.3 Beta Coming Next Week
Apple Says iOS 27.3 Beta Coming Next Week
2 days ago
Apple's Flash Storage Suppliers Are Finally 'Getting Their Revenge'
Apple's Flash Storage Suppliers Are Finally 'Getting Their Revenge'
2 days ago
14 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27.2
14 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27.2
2 days ago
iPhone Duo Review: One Week Later
iPhone Duo Review: One Week Later
2 days ago
Samsung Mocks iPhone Duo Display Cracks in New Ad Campaign
Samsung Mocks iPhone Duo Display Cracks in New Ad Campaign
2 days ago
The MacRumors Show: OLED MacBook Pro, iPad Mini 8, and More
The MacRumors Show: OLED MacBook Pro, iPad Mini 8, and More
2 days ago
MacBook Pro With Touch Display: 15 More Details Revealed
MacBook Pro With Touch Display: 15 More Details Revealed
2 days ago
Russia Places Apple on State Surveillance Registry
Russia Places Apple on State Surveillance Registry
2 days ago
Halloween Weekend Brings Discounts on Apple Accessories and Pre-Orders
Halloween Weekend Brings Discounts on Apple Accessories and Pre-Orders
2 days ago
Apple Has Released More Than 25 New Products in the Past Two Months
Apple Has Released More Than 25 New Products in the Past Two Months
2 days ago
Local Code Launches as Free, Private AI Assistant Tool for Mac
Local Code Launches as Free, Private AI Assistant Tool for Mac
3 days ago
Apple Acquires Ascend.io
Apple Acquires Ascend.io
3 days ago
HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
3 days ago
AirTag 2 4-Pack Drops to New Low Price of $69.99
AirTag 2 4-Pack Drops to New Low Price of $69.99
3 days ago
Rian Johnson's iPhone Camera App Goes Viral
Rian Johnson's iPhone Camera App Goes Viral
3 days ago
Where Did All the iPhone Duos Go? Mostly to Apple's Stores
Where Did All the iPhone Duos Go? Mostly to Apple's Stores
3 days ago