New Bluetooth standard could bring lossless audio to wireless headphones
Bluetooth HDT promises faster connections and higher-quality wireless audio, potentially making lossless listening possible without cables.
Wireless headphones could soon deliver a much higher standard of audio quality, following the adoption of a new Bluetooth technology designed to support lossless music streaming.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which oversees the wireless technology, has officially adopted Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT) as an optional feature of its Bluetooth Core 7.0 specification. The upgrade significantly increases the amount of data Bluetooth can transmit, opening the door to lossless and high-resolution audio without a wired connection.
Bluetooth HDT increases wireless data speeds
Bluetooth HDT supports data transfer speeds of up to 7.5 Mbps, almost four times the maximum 2 Mbps supported by Bluetooth Low Energy’s existing 2M connection, as AppleInsider explains.
That extra bandwidth isn’t just about faster file transfers. It gives devices more room to transmit audio information, potentially supporting higher-quality playback with less reliance on compression.
According to the Bluetooth SIG, premium wireless audio will be the technology’s first major application. This includes standardised lossless and high-resolution audio, alongside multi-channel surround sound and spatial audio.
The upgrade could also improve connection reliability and energy efficiency. By transferring more information in less time, compatible devices can spend less time actively transmitting data, potentially reducing power consumption.
Existing headphones won’t support the upgrade
There’s a catch for anyone hoping to get better sound from their current wireless headphones.
Bluetooth HDT requires new hardware, meaning existing headphones and smartphones won’t gain support through a software update alone. Both the sending device and receiving headphones will need compatible technology.
It’s also an optional feature of Bluetooth Core 7.0, so manufacturers aren’t automatically required to include it in their products.
As AppleInsider reports, the Bluetooth SIG expects manufacturers to begin supporting HDT in 2027. Apple hasn’t confirmed whether future AirPods will adopt the technology, although Bluetooth SIG executives have indicated that discussions with the company are taking place.
The Verge also notes that the technology could have applications beyond headphones, including wearables, smart glasses and other connected devices.
Closing the gap between streaming and listening quality
Streaming services have spent years improving the quality of their audio offerings. Spotify introduced lossless streaming for Premium subscribers in 2025, joining platforms such as Apple Music and Tidal in catering to listeners who want more than standard compressed audio.
However, the headphones people use to listen haven’t always kept pace. Even when a service delivers a lossless file, conventional Bluetooth connections can introduce another layer of compression before the music reaches the listener.
Bluetooth HDT could help close that gap, making higher-quality streaming more practical for people who prefer wireless headphones. It also gives manufacturers another reason to compete on audio performance as well as features such as noise cancellation, battery life and spatial audio.
There is still a wait ahead, and much will depend on how quickly manufacturers adopt the technology. But with support expected from 2027, lossless wireless listening could become a much more realistic proposition in the next generation of audio devices.