Spatial audio and the new Apple Lossless Codec (ALAC) were introduced together a few months ago. This latest codec is a new lossless audio compression technology that allows the user to achieve high audio resolutions ranging from 16bit/44.1kHz to 24bit/192kHz. However, Bluetooth connectivities are not supported for this lossless audio. A few hours ago, the new Snapdragon Sound S3 and S5, two new Qualcomm chips that allow the use of other lossless audio codecs via Bluetooth. Will Apple be the next to take the plunge and bring its Lossless technology to the AirPods?
Qualcomm’s new chips make breakthroughs in lossless audio
Apple’s lossless audio codec (ALAC) limitation is no more and no less than using a wired connection. For many users, it was a blow to see how the AirPods Max, the Big Apple’s most expensive over-the-head headphones, weren’t capable of reproducing lossless sound. However, it is and today a cable connection is required to access this high resolution lossless audio.
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However, Qualcomm introduced its new Snapdragon Sound S3 and S5. Some new chips that combine Bluetooth 5.3 technology with a new audio codec based on aptX Adaptive. This technology is nothing more than an algorithm that allows the device to analyze how the audio is heard, thus adjusting itself to deliver the best quality. aptX Adaptive ranges from resolutions of 280 kbps up to a maximum of 420 kbps. As you can see, this is a huge improvement considering that It can be used even with Bluetooth connectivity and get lossless sound.
The Qualcomm Sound S3 and S5 will arrive on Android devices in the coming months. With him, Apple Music users will be able to access music with Apple Loseless Compression (ALAC) even before Big Apple users with headphones and Apple devices.
Rumors suggest that the next AirPods Pro 2 will have new chips that will allow you to listen to lossless audio ALAC compliant. But until then, that’s just speculation and the reality is that Qualcomm has managed to bring lossless high resolution to wireless headphones with its new S3 and S5 chips.
