The Qualcomm aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec has been announced and is expected to be released on compatible devices later this year. The new Bluetooth codec is Qualcomm’s answer to Sony’s LDAC and promises CD-quality audio via wireless transmission with a maximum bit rate of about 1 Mb / second. The new codec is expected to be released on compatible devices by the end of 2021 and will be supported on both home devices and headphones. It is said to be Qualcomm’s most advanced Bluetooth codec to date.
Qualcomm’s new Bluetooth codec claims to support transmission of up to 1 Mb / second, slightly higher than the maximum bit rate of 990 kbps supported by Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth codec. The company says the bit rate is variable, reducing to 140 kbits / second in congested environments with a lot of radio interference, in order to maintain the stability of the audio stream.
Qualcomm further states that the codec can offer CD quality audio at a resolution of 16 bits / 44.1 kHz, with bit-by-bit transmission. That said, achieving this level of audio quality via Bluetooth will require a very stable connection with little radio interference around it, so the capabilities are probably only really achievable under ideal conditions. In most real-world conditions, aptX Lossless will still offer better audio quality via Bluetooth than existing aptX codecs and will likely match LDAC capabilities, but with the advantage of broader product support.
Qualcomm currently has several aptX Bluetooth codecs that support multiple devices, including most Android smartphones and many computers and laptops. The new codec, aptX Lossless, promises to build on existing technologies like aptX Adaptive and will theoretically be able to work with lossless audio streams from services like Apple Music and Tidal.
While high-resolution audio is best heard on headphones or wired headphones, improvements in Bluetooth capabilities and stability allow you to enhance the listening experience even through wireless transmission. Qualcomm aptX Lossless is expected to hit compatible devices by the end of 2021 and is expected to slightly close the gap in sound quality, while offering the benefits and amenities of wireless audio.