Apple recently announced that they will be offering lossless audio on their streaming service, Apple Music. Lossless audio offers higher quality sound than the standard compressed audio files. This has caused many Apple users to wonder if their AirPods will support lossless audio.
The answer is not straightforward. While AirPods can technically play lossless audio, the quality of the sound may not be fully appreciated due to the limitations of Bluetooth technology. Lossless audio requires a wired connection to truly appreciate the higher quality sound. However, there are some ways to still enjoy lossless audio with AirPods, such as using an external digital-to-analog converter or listening to songs at sample rates lower than 48 kHz.
It is important to note that not all AirPods models are created equal in terms of their ability to support lossless audio. Apple has confirmed that the AirPods Max do not support Hi-Res Lossless even when wired to a supported device. Additionally, the new AirPods Pro do not appear to include support for lossless Apple Music audio despite featuring an all-new H2 chip and improved audio quality.
Understanding Lossless Audio
If you’re new to the world of lossless audio, it can be a bit confusing at first. Essentially, lossless audio is a type of digital audio that preserves all of the original data from the recording, resulting in a higher quality sound than other types of digital audio such as compressed audio formats like MP3.
Lossless audio files are larger than compressed audio files, but they offer a higher level of fidelity and detail. This is because they don’t discard any data during the compression process. Instead, they use advanced algorithms to compress the data in a way that doesn’t result in any loss of quality.
To listen to lossless audio, you’ll need a device that supports it. For example, if you’re using Apple Music, you’ll need a Mac updated to the latest version of macOS and a wired connection to headphones, receivers, or powered speakers. The built-in speakers of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro also support native playback of songs at sample rates up to 96 kHz.
It’s important to note that not all devices support lossless audio. For example, Apple’s AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max do not support lossless audio. This is because they use Bluetooth technology to connect to your device, which doesn’t currently support lossless audio streaming.
if you’re an audiophile or just someone who values high-quality sound, lossless audio is definitely worth exploring. While it may require a bit more storage space and a compatible device, the improved sound quality is well worth it in our opinion.
AirPods and Audio Quality
AirPods are a popular choice for wireless earbuds, but do they support lossless audio? The answer is yes and no.
Firstly, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max do support lossless audio, but there are some limitations. For example, when using the cable to connect AirPods Max to a device playing lossless audio, the playback will not be completely lossless due to the analog-to-digital conversion in the cable.
Secondly, AirPods and AirPods 2 do not support lossless audio. This means that even if you have a subscription to Apple Music’s new lossless feature, you won’t be able to fully enjoy the improved audio quality with these earbuds.
It’s important to note that lossless audio requires a higher bit rate and sample rate than standard audio, which means it takes up more storage space. If you plan on streaming lossless audio on your Apple device, make sure you have a strong and stable internet connection.
if you’re looking to fully experience lossless audio, you’ll need to upgrade to AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. However, if lossless audio isn’t a priority for you, AirPods and AirPods 2 still offer great audio quality for everyday use.
Do AirPods Support Lossless Audio
Apple recently announced the addition of lossless audio to its Apple Music streaming service. Lossless audio provides higher quality sound than standard compressed audio formats. However, not all Apple devices are compatible with lossless audio, including AirPods.
Currently, AirPods do not support lossless audio. This is because AirPods use Bluetooth to connect to devices, and Bluetooth does not have the bandwidth to support lossless audio. Lossless audio requires a wired connection or a high-bandwidth wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi 6 or 5G.
While AirPods are not compatible with lossless audio, Apple has said that they will still work with standard compressed audio formats. Additionally, Apple is working on a new codec called ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) that will provide higher quality sound than standard compressed audio formats but will be compatible with Bluetooth devices, including AirPods.
In the meantime, if you want to listen to lossless audio on Apple Music, you will need to use a device that is compatible with lossless audio, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can also use a wired connection, such as a Lightning to 3.5mm cable, to connect your device to a pair of headphones or speakers that support lossless audio.
while AirPods do not currently support lossless audio, Apple is working on a solution that will provide higher quality sound while still being compatible with Bluetooth devices. In the meantime, users can still enjoy standard compressed audio formats on their AirPods or use a compatible device or wired connection to listen to lossless audio.
Limitations of AirPods in Supporting Lossless Audio
While Apple Music has introduced lossless audio to enhance the listening experience, it is important to note that AirPods, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro do not support lossless audio. This means that users cannot enjoy the full benefits of lossless audio quality with AirPods.
However, it is important to note that AirPods, AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro do support Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. By default, Apple Music will play Dolby Atmos tracks on all AirPods models, providing a more immersive listening experience.
The reason behind this limitation is the Bluetooth codec used by AirPods. The AAC codec used by AirPods is not capable of transmitting lossless audio. This means that even if you have enabled lossless audio on your iPhone, you will not be able to enjoy it on your AirPods.
It is worth noting that even if Apple were to release new AirPods with support for lossless audio, users would still need a compatible device to take advantage of this feature. For example, a user would need an iPhone 7 or later to listen to lossless audio on their AirPods.
while AirPods do not support lossless audio, they still provide a great listening experience with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. If you are looking for the best possible audio quality, you may want to consider using a wired connection or investing in high-end headphones that support lossless audio.
Alternatives for Lossless Audio Playback
While AirPods do not currently support lossless audio playback, there are other options available for those who want to enjoy high-quality audio.
Wired Headphones
One option is to use wired headphones that support lossless audio playback. This means that the audio signal is transmitted directly to the headphones without any compression or loss of quality. Some examples of wired headphones that support lossless audio include the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser HD 660 S.
Hi-Fi Systems
Another option is to use a hi-fi system that supports lossless audio playback. This can provide a more immersive listening experience, especially when combined with high-quality speakers. Some examples of hi-fi systems that support lossless audio include the Sonos Arc and the Bose SoundTouch 30.
External DACs
Finally, it is possible to use an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to improve the audio quality of your existing headphones or speakers. A DAC is a device that converts digital audio signals into analog signals that can be played through headphones or speakers. Some examples of external DACs include the AudioQuest DragonFly and the Chord Mojo.
while AirPods do not support lossless audio playback, there are other options available for those who want to enjoy high-quality audio. Whether you choose to use wired headphones, a hi-fi system, or an external DAC, there are many ways to enhance your listening experience.
Conclusion
it seems that while the new AirPods Pro do not currently support lossless audio, there is hope for future iterations. Apple is expected to release the AirPods Pro 2 in the fourth quarter of 2022, which is rumored to include support for the ALAC format and a charging case that can emit a.
For now, users can still listen to lossless audio on their Mac updated to the latest version of macOS using a wired connection to headphones, receivers, or powered speakers. The built-in speakers on the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro also support native playback of songs at sample rates up to 96 kHz.
It’s important to note that lossless audio may not be a noticeable difference for everyone. It depends on the quality of the audio files, the equipment being used, and the listener’s personal preferences. Additionally, lossless audio files take up more storage space, so it’s important to consider if it’s worth the extra space for the potential improvement in audio quality.
while the current AirPods Pro do not support lossless audio, there are still options for users to listen to high-quality audio on their Macs. Keep an eye out for future updates and releases from Apple for potential support for lossless audio on their popular AirPods.
