El spatial audio and the new Apple Lossless codec (ALAC) were jointly introduced 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 other lossless audio codecs to be used over Bluetooth. Will Apple be the next to take the plunge and bring its Lossless technology to AirPods?
Qualcomm's new chips achieve breakthroughs in lossless audio
Apple's Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) limitation is nothing more or less than using a wired connection. For many users, it was a hard blow to see how the AirPods Max, the most expensive headband headphones from the big apple, were not capable of reproducing lossless audio. However, this is the case and today a cable connection is necessary to access this high resolution lossless audio.
However, Qualcomm has presented its new Snapdragon Sound S3 and S5. A Pair of 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 being heard, thus adjusting itself to offer the highest quality. The aptX Adaptive goes from resolutions of 280 kbps up to 420 kbps maximum. As we can see, it is a considerable improvement considering that It can be used even with Bluetooth connectivity and obtaining lossless audio.
The Qualcomm Sound S3 and S5 are coming to Android devices in the coming months. With that, Apple Music users will be able to access music with Apple Loseless Compression (ALAC) even before the users of the big apple with Apple headphones and devices.
Rumors point to the next AirPods Pro 2 will carry new chips that will allow listening to lossless audio ALAC compliant. But until then it's all speculation and the reality is that Qualcomm has managed to bring lossless high resolution to wireless headphones thanks to its new S3 and S5 chips.