Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s recently announced Vision Pro headset will be the first device to support lossless audio, a feature that is yet to be introduced on the iPhone 15, iPad, or Apple TV 4K, according to information released on Monday. This decision has sparked discussions among tech enthusiasts who believe the cutting-edge technology should have been implemented across more widely used devices like the iPhone or iPad.
Lossless audio, which refers to audio files that have not been compressed in any way, offers superior sound quality. However, achieving lossless audio playback requires a wired connection between a computer or laptop and headphones or a wireless speaker connected via Wi-Fi to a phone or tablet.
The Vision Pro headset, a premium product priced at $3,499, uses a new unnamed wireless protocol developed by Apple. This protocol employs Apple's H2 Wireless Chip found in both the AirPods Pro 2 and the Vision Pro along with new software reserved for the Vision Pro's launch. Unfortunately, this software or some other undisclosed feature appears to be missing from devices like the iPhone 15, iPad, and Apple TV 4K, meaning they won't support lossless audio.
The exclusion of lossless audio from these devices is seen as a missed opportunity given their popularity and widespread usage. However, there is an expectation that Apple will eventually extend this technology to its iPhones and iPads. It is suggested that within the next 12 months, Apple may announce additional products supporting lossless audio.
In addition to the Vision Pro announcement, Apple has also launched an upgraded version of its second-generation AirPods Pro. The new model includes improved dust resistance and a USB-C charging port instead of Apple's 'Lightning' port. While sound quality remains similar to its predecessor, the new AirPods Pro 2 can now be charged directly from an iPhone, a feature not previously available.
The new AirPods Pro 2 also supports lossless audio specifically designed for Apple's Vision Pro headset, which is set to be available in early 2024. Other features of the iOS 17 update for iPhones, which will also apply to all AirPods Pro, include 'adaptive audio' and 'conversational awareness'.
Despite the disappointment over the limited availability of lossless audio support, the future of this technology remains promising as Apple continues to innovate in the realm of audio quality and user experience.
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