Apple's AirPods Max are a top option for buyers looking to purchase over-ear headphones, but the company appears to have negatively affected the active noise cancellation through an OTA software update. Software updates are a common way to fix bugs, add features, and improve performance on devices after they have been released. Many companies promise the addition of features to their devices through future software updates, and Apple is no exception.
While it is rare for an update to worsen performance on a product, Apple was previously sued after itting to slowing down older iPhones produced between 2014 and 2016 due to their aging batteries. Apple did not announce the slowdown to s before they updated, and while the company denied any legal wrongdoing, it did issue an apology. As such, another potential software update having a negative effect on performance is concerning to Apple s.
Suspicions about worsened performance for active noise cancelling on the AirPods Max following an update first circulated on social media sites like Twitter and Reddit. However, this anecdotal evidence was backed up by RTings.com, which is a well-known and respected audio review site. "The Apple AirPods Max's noise isolation performance is great," the RTings review states. "However, after updating the headphones to firmware 4E71, their active noise cancelling (ANC) system blocks out a bit less noise between the mid-bass to high-bass range than the previous firmware." The outlet was one of the few to test the AirPods Max both before and after the firmware update, all but confirming s' suspicions.
AirPods Max Update Is Bad For ANC
The last firmware update for the AirPods Max was version 4E71, according to Apple's page. Though Apple provides detailed release notes with each iOS, iPadOS, and macOS update, this is not the case for AirPods firmware updates. The company might provide a few vague words explaining the reason for the firmware update, but that's about it. For version 4E71 — which is the latest firmware version for both the AirPods (2nd and 3rd-gen), AirPods Pro (1st-gen), and AirPods Max — there were no details provided. As a result, the update appears to have worsened sound quality on the AirPods Max unbeknownst to s.
Over-the-air firmware updates for AirPods provide additional features in tandem with iOS and bug fixes. Firmware updates can fix a lot of issues that can avoid a hardware replacement for its earbuds and headphones. AirPods are updated automatically, so does not have the choice of when or if a firmware update is installed. "Firmware updates are delivered periodically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone; your iPad with iPadOS 16.1 or later; or your Mac with macOS Ventura," according to an Apple document. AirPods Max are fantastic over-the-ear headphones, but after updating to firmware version 4E71, s may notice problems with active noise cancelling.
Source: RTings.com, Apple