Apple Music Lossless Audio is coming, but what devices can you listen to it with In this FAQ we answer eight pressing questions.
Apple Music Lossless Audio FAQ
Apple Music will play music in higher quality from June 2021. In this FAQ, we list eight frequently asked questions and answer them immediately. This way you are immediately aware of everything you need to know.
1. What is Apple Music Lossless Audio?
On May 17, Apple unveiled another milestone for its music service. Millions of songs can be heard in extra high audio quality, also called ‘Lossless Audio’. That term actually says what it is: an audio variant in which no quality is lost.
Normally, all the music you listen to is scaled down to be less taxing on your data bundle or the internal memory of your devices. With the introduction of Lossless Audio, Apple is meeting the avid music lover who wants to be able to listen to music in the highest possible quality.
2. What is the difference between Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless?
Apple distinguishes between Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless, two variants of the higher sound quality. The differences are as follows.
- Lossless: A higher sound quality with a limit of 48kHz.
- Hi-Res Lossless: An even higher version with a quality between 48kHz and 192kHz. This is the best quality available.
Although Hi-Res Lossless sounds better, the audio files are a lot bigger. So keep that in mind if you stream or save the music via your mobile network.
3. Which Apple Music subscription do I need?
Unlike Spotify, Apple has chosen to make the option to listen to Lossless Audio completely free. So you do not need a more expensive ‘Hi-Fi subscription’ to activate the higher audio quality. This sets Apple Music apart from practically all of its competitors in one fell swoop.
4. How can I turn on Lossless Audio?
Once Lossless Audio is available, you will still have to manually activate the function. Note: You need iOS 14.6 or later to see this option. You do this as follows:
- Open the Settings app and tap Music;
- Tap on ‘Audio Quality’ and choose ‘Lossless’ or ‘Hi-Res Lossless for Mobile Data or WiFi’.
5. Which Apple devices support Lossless Audio?
If you install the latest version of iOS, macOS or tvOS, you can stream Lossless Audio. Which iPhone, iPad, MacBook, iMac or Apple TV you have doesn’t really matter in that respect. It mainly concerns the devices you use to listen to this higher audio quality. A set of AirPods is not enough.
6. Do AirPods support Lossless Audio?
No. Even the pricey AirPods Max cannot listen to the higher quality of Apple Music. This has everything to do with the fact that all AirPods are wireless and send the sound signal via bluetooth.
Bluetooth 5.0 has a signal strength of 2MB per second, while for 24-bit audio you need at least 9.2MB. This leaves all AirPods out of the picture. Remarkable: even if you choose to connect the AirPods Max with an audio cable, the headphones do not support the higher quality.
7. What can I listen to Lossless Audio with?
As mentioned, bluetooth is not an option for this higher sound quality, so you need headphones with a cable. You also need a DAC, a small box that you hang between your Apple device and the headphone cable.
This transfers the signal to your headphones. Not all speakers can handle the sound quality either. For example, Apple’s HomePod and HomePod mini are also left out.
8. When will Apple Music Lossless Audio be available?
The update that adds Lossless Audio will be available from June. An exact date is not yet known, but this will probably be accompanied by an interim iOS update. As soon as it is available, you can read it immediately iPhone. You stay informed via the iPhoned app, our newsletter or the website.
Do you have any questions about Apple Music Lossless Audio that we have not answered in this FAQ? Then let us know with a comment below this article.