Apple AirPods Beta Firmware Tips Upcoming Support for Higher Quality LC3 Bluetooth Codec

The upcoming AirPods Pro is also expected to feature the next version of the H1 chip.

By Jasmin Jose | Updated: 24 June 2022 19:13 IST

Apple AirPods Beta Firmware Tips Upcoming Support for Higher Quality LC3 Bluetooth Codec

Apple AirPods Max new colour variants will launch later this year

Highlights

LC3 code should improve sound and call quality of Apple Airpods Max
LC3 is Bluetooth’s future low-power, high-quality codec
Apple AirPods Max launched in India in December 2020

Apple AirPods beta firmware has reportedly started supporting a higher quality Bluetooth codec for the AirPods Max. This is expected to improve the Apple headphones' voice calls quality. The upcoming AirPods Pro is also expected to feature the next version of the H1 chip. The report also added that the true potential of the Low Complexity Communication Codec (LC3) technology will need Bluetooth v5.2 along with a new generation of AirPods hardware. Another report earlier this year had indicated that Apple AirPods Max new colour variants will launch later this year.

A recent report by 9to5Mac indicated that developer George (via ShrimpApplePro) has enabled LC3 codec support for Apple AirPods Max through its beta firmware. LC3 is said to be Bluetooth's future low-power, high-quality codec that is expected to come soon to headphones. The LC3 codec is reportedly expected to “transmit at much lower bitrates without dropping the audio quality we currently see with Bluetooth's standard.”

If the LC3 codec is indeed brought to the firmware, it should improve the sound and audio call quality of the Apple Airpods Max. To recall, the report had also added that the true potential of the LC3 technology will need Bluetooth v5.2 along with a new generation of AirPods hardware. None of the AirPods feature Bluetooth v5.2 as of now. The report also said that the next generation of AirPods Pro, which is said to be codenamed B698, is expected to house the next version of the H1 chip.

Apple Launches New AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Priced at Rs. 59,900

Another recent report had also indicated that Apple AirPods Max new colour variants will launch later this year. Apple AirPods Max was introduced originally with Space Grey, Silver, Green, Pink, and Sky Blue colour variants. Apple AirPods Max was launched in India back in December 2020. The premium headphones from the American tech company were priced at Rs. 59,900.

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Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design / Comfort
Audio Quality
Battery Life
Value For Money

Good
Beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious 
Best-in-class controls 
Seamless connectivity with Apple devices 
Very good ANC and Transparency modes 
Wide, spacious soundstage 
Excellent, flexible sound

Bad
No power button, unpredictable power consumption  
Below-par battery life 
Smart Case is a bit silly 
Lightning charging port 
No ANC level adjustment

Read detailed Apple AirPods Max Wireless Headphones review

Headphone Type Over-Ear

Microphone Yes

Connectivity Wireless

Type Headphones

More Apple Headphones & Headset

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