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I want to connect my airpods max to my ipad with a cable.

I want to connect my airpods max to my ipad with a cable, so there is no lag. Im using a bluetooth midi keyboard with my ipad and with the airpods max connected to the ipad via bluetooth ther is too much latency.

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 8:12 AM

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Posted on Jun 8, 2023 10:43 PM

Yes, you can use AirPods Max with a wired connection. However, keep in mind that the headphones do not come with a cable, so you'll need to purchase Apple’s lightning to 3.5 mm audio cable separately. To use them wired, insert the lightning end of the cable into the AirPods Max’s lightning port, and plug the other end into the audio jack of your source device.


If your device doesn’t have an audio jack (like newer iPhone or Samsung models), you’ll need a lightning to 3.5mm adapter or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.


Be aware that the type of audio cable used for the AirPods Max is critical for its functionality. It requires a bi-directional cable that outputs audio in a specific manner: device > 3.5mm > Lightning > headphones. Most third-party cables won't work for this purpose.


If you're experiencing issues when using AirPods Max in wired mode, ensure you're using an official Apple cable. If problems persist, you may need to forget your AirPods Max from the device’s Bluetooth list and restart or reset your AirPods Max.


The AirPods Max can play lossless audio at 48Khz, 24-bit audio with a wired connection. However, the difference in sound quality compared to a wireless connection might not be noticeable for most users.


Do note that while Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio only work via a Bluetooth connection, Active Noise Cancelation works with both a Bluetooth and a wired connection.


Unfortunately, the AirPods Max microphone cannot be used when the headphones are connected with a wired connection. And yes, AirPods Max do consume battery power even when connected with a wired connection.


Overall, the listening experience with a wired connection is generally positive, with features such as Active Noise Cancelation and the digital crown for volume control still functional. However, the microphone will not work in this mode.

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Jun 8, 2023 10:43 PM in response to JohnWaade

Yes, you can use AirPods Max with a wired connection. However, keep in mind that the headphones do not come with a cable, so you'll need to purchase Apple’s lightning to 3.5 mm audio cable separately. To use them wired, insert the lightning end of the cable into the AirPods Max’s lightning port, and plug the other end into the audio jack of your source device.


If your device doesn’t have an audio jack (like newer iPhone or Samsung models), you’ll need a lightning to 3.5mm adapter or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.


Be aware that the type of audio cable used for the AirPods Max is critical for its functionality. It requires a bi-directional cable that outputs audio in a specific manner: device > 3.5mm > Lightning > headphones. Most third-party cables won't work for this purpose.


If you're experiencing issues when using AirPods Max in wired mode, ensure you're using an official Apple cable. If problems persist, you may need to forget your AirPods Max from the device’s Bluetooth list and restart or reset your AirPods Max.


The AirPods Max can play lossless audio at 48Khz, 24-bit audio with a wired connection. However, the difference in sound quality compared to a wireless connection might not be noticeable for most users.


Do note that while Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio only work via a Bluetooth connection, Active Noise Cancelation works with both a Bluetooth and a wired connection.


Unfortunately, the AirPods Max microphone cannot be used when the headphones are connected with a wired connection. And yes, AirPods Max do consume battery power even when connected with a wired connection.


Overall, the listening experience with a wired connection is generally positive, with features such as Active Noise Cancelation and the digital crown for volume control still functional. However, the microphone will not work in this mode.

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Jan 4, 2024 7:15 AM in response to nexusnode

Thanks Nexusnode for your info. When you said "The AirPods Max can play lossless audio at 48Khz, 24-bit audio with a wired connection", are you meaning to the lightning-to-minijack official cable of Apple? Or do you refer to a third party cable? As I know, it seems the official Apple cable is not lossless compatible.

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Jun 8, 2023 5:05 PM in response to JohnWaade

Hey JohnWaade,


We can see that you checked out the article on how to connect and use your AirPods Max with your device.


All AirPods including AirPods Max are wireless, and they don't have a feature for direct connection. If you're experiencing Bluetooth latency issue, we can try some steps to resolve this issue:


1) Make sure your iPadOS is updated to the latest version: Update your iPhone or iPad

2) Toggle Bluetooth option off and back on under Settings (not Control Center). Which can be found under Settings > Bluetooth

3) Restart your iPad: Restart your iPad

4) Reset your AirPods Max: How to reset your AirPods Max


Let us know if these steps were helpful!


Best regards.


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I want to connect my airpods max to my ipad with a cable.

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