Can I use a Lightning to USB-C cable for AirPods Max lossless on iPhone 14?

I have the AirPods Max usb-c and an iPhone 14 (lightning). Can I use a lightning to usb-c cable to connect them to use the new lossless feature for the AirPods Max? (I have the latest IOS and firmware updates installed)



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 14, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 8, 2025 3:17 PM

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Posted on Apr 9, 2025 11:34 AM

Short answer: No.


A bit longer answer: Unfortunately, connecting these devices using a Lightning to USB-C cable won't enable lossless audio playback. The iPhone 14's Lightning port doesn't support digital audio output directly to the AirPods Max via such a cable.​


To experience lossless audio with your AirPods Max, a direct USB-C to USB-C connection is required. This setup allows for 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio playback, as Apple has detailed in their recent announcements. However, since the iPhone 14 lacks a USB-C port, this direct connection isn't possible.

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Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Apr 9, 2025 11:34 AM in response to SineQ

Short answer: No.


A bit longer answer: Unfortunately, connecting these devices using a Lightning to USB-C cable won't enable lossless audio playback. The iPhone 14's Lightning port doesn't support digital audio output directly to the AirPods Max via such a cable.​


To experience lossless audio with your AirPods Max, a direct USB-C to USB-C connection is required. This setup allows for 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio playback, as Apple has detailed in their recent announcements. However, since the iPhone 14 lacks a USB-C port, this direct connection isn't possible.

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Can I use a Lightning to USB-C cable for AirPods Max lossless on iPhone 14?

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