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Apple Unveils New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with Bug Fixes; AirPods Max Gains Lossless Audio Support

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Apple has rolled out a new firmware update for several of its audio products, including the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), AirPods 4, and AirPods Max, with users encouraged to download the update for access to improved features and bug fixes. The update focuses on addressing performance issues and ensuring smoother functionality for these popular earbuds and headphones. For AirPods Max users, in particular, this update introduces exciting new audio enhancements that promise to elevate the listening experience.

For the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4, the latest firmware version 7E93 replaces the previous versions 7B21 and 7B20, respectively. While the update doesn’t bring major new features, it includes several bug fixes aimed at improving the overall stability and performance of these devices. Users can expect a more reliable experience with fewer glitches and enhanced connectivity when using their AirPods.

On the other hand, the update for the AirPods Max with USB Type-C is much more substantial. Moving from firmware version 7A291 to 7E99, this update enables two standout features. First, users can now enjoy lossless audio quality when paired with an iPhone running iOS 18.4. Specifically, AirPods Max users with a USB Type-C connection can listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, a feature that supports high-quality streaming from services like Apple Music and Tidal. This enhancement allows for a premium sound experience for music lovers, movie enthusiasts, and anyone seeking better audio quality across various media.

In addition to lossless audio, the firmware update introduces support for low-latency audio playback, a feature that can significantly reduce lag. When connected via USB Type-C, the AirPods Max now offer performance comparable to the built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. This is particularly beneficial for gamers, livestreamers, and music creators who rely on precise audio synchronization for a seamless experience. With these improvements, the AirPods Max becomes an even more versatile tool for both casual listeners and professionals alike.

AirPods Pro 3 to Include Health Features Such as Heart Rate Monitoring, Says Mark Gurman

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The upcoming AirPods Pro 3 are expected to serve as the successor to the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), which were released in 2022. The previous generation saw a notable upgrade in September 2024, when Apple introduced hearing aid capabilities through a software update. Now, attention is turning to the third generation of AirPods Pro, with reports suggesting that Apple plans to incorporate several health-tracking features. According to industry analyst Mark Gurman, Apple is currently in the early stages of developing the AirPods Pro 3, which could come equipped with a range of health monitoring sensors.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman outlined some of the anticipated health features for the AirPods Pro 3. These include a temperature sensor, a heart-rate monitor, and “technology that tracks a slew of physiological measures.” If true, this would mark a significant expansion of the AirPods Pro’s capabilities, turning them into a more comprehensive health monitoring device in addition to their current audio functionality. Apple’s push into health-tracking features aligns with the growing trend of wearables offering more advanced health metrics, similar to what we see with the Apple Watch.

However, while the AirPods Pro 3 may offer health features like heart-rate monitoring, Gurman notes that initial internal testing has shown the heart-rate data from these earphones is not as accurate as the measurements taken by the Apple Watch. While the heart-rate readings from the AirPods Pro 3 are close to those of the Apple Watch, they are still slightly off. This suggests that Apple is still refining the technology, with the goal of improving the accuracy of these measurements as development progresses.

Despite the current limitations, the inclusion of health-tracking features in the AirPods Pro 3 signals Apple’s continued commitment to expanding its health ecosystem. With the company already leading the way with the Apple Watch’s health and fitness features, the addition of these sensors to the AirPods Pro 3 could offer users even more ways to monitor their well-being seamlessly throughout the day. As Apple moves forward with this development, it will be interesting to see how these features evolve and whether they will be integrated into other products in the future.