# Bluetooth's lossless upgrade arrives in 2027, and only on new earbuds

Source: https://idevice.com/bluetooth-hdt-lossless-upgrade-2027-new-earbuds
Published: 2026-11-04

> The earbuds you own won't get this with an update. And since it's optional, AirPods only get it if Apple chooses to build it in.

The Bluetooth SIG has launched High Data Throughput, or HDT, an optional part of Bluetooth Core 7.0 that moves data at 7.5 Mbps. [Bluetooth LE tops out at 2 Mbps today](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/bluetooths-biggest-speed-boost-in-years-could-finally-make-lossless-wireless-audio-more-accessible/), so that's nearly four times the room, enough for lossless and high-resolution audio, surround sound and spatial audio. Earbuds that already offer lossless mostly rely on a company's own codec that only works between select devices, while HDT would be a shared standard. It should also be easier on batteries, because the radio can stop transmitting sooner, though the announcement gives no battery figure.

HDT needs new processors, and because it's optional, each company can leave it out. Apple hasn't said anything publicly. Bluetooth SIG marketing chief Ken Kolderup told Japanese journalists, [as AppleInsider relays from AV Watch](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/11/04/new-bluetooth-standard-supports-great-lossless-audio-but-youll-need-new-headphones?utm_source=rss), that "our current feeling is that [Apple's] interest is very high, because Apple executives are participating and we are currently discussing the standard." The SIG expects support to start in 2027, so if you need earbuds now, buy them on what they do today.

## Sources

- [Digital Trends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/bluetooths-biggest-speed-boost-in-years-could-finally-make-lossless-wireless-audio-more-accessible/) (Digital Trends)
- [AppleInsider](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/11/04/new-bluetooth-standard-supports-great-lossless-audio-but-youll-need-new-headphones?utm_source=rss) (AppleInsider)