HomePod Will Support Apple Music Lossless in Future Software Update
Apple has confirmed that HomePod and HomePod mini will support Apple Music Lossless in a future software update. Support for the high quality streaming tier was confirmed in an early report but contradicted by others.
HomePod and HomePod mini currently use AAC to ensure excellent audio quality. Support for lossless is coming in a future software update.
In a support document Apple answers some frequently asked questions about Apple Music Lossless…
Can I listen to lossless audio using AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max?
AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and Beats wireless headphones use Apple’s AAC Bluetooth Codec to ensure excellent audio quality. Bluetooth connections don’t support lossless audio.
Can I listen to lossless audio over Bluetooth?
We will deliver music using lossless audio compression to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Lossless will play back normally on Bluetooth speakers and headphones. However, Bluetooth connections don’t support lossless audio.
Can I listen to lossless audio using Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter?
Yes. The Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter is designed to transmit audio from the iPhone’s Lightning connector. It contains a digital-to-analog converter that supports up to 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio.
Can I listen to lossless audio using the AirPods Max Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable?
The Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable was designed to allow AirPods Max to connect to analog sources for listening to movies and music. AirPods Max can be connected to devices playing Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless recordings with exceptional audio quality. However, given the analog to digital conversion in the cable, the playback will not be completely lossless.
What content isn’t available in lossless audio?
Broadcast radio
Live radio and on-demand content from Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country
Music videos
Can I redownload my iTunes purchases in lossless?
If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can redownload music in lossless only from the Apple Music catalog.
Apple says AirPods don’t work with Apple Music Lossless because they use Bluetooth. However, leaker Jon Prosser has suggested they could get a software update that enables listening via AirPlay.
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