In 2021,Apple Musicbegan offering its entire library in lossless audio.
But what is lossless audio, really?
Are there any downsides to listening to music in Apple’s lossless format?
If you want to take advantage of hi-res audio on Apple Music, the FiiO BTR5-2021 is perfect, as it combines a digital to analog converter and a headphone amp into one easily portable package that you can carry along with your phone and a set of wired headphones.
And just how much better does it really sound?
What Is Lossless Audio?
When talking about audio files, there are two basic types:compressedand uncompressed files.
If you want to take advantage of hi-res audio on Apple Music, the FiiO BTR5-2021 is perfect, as it combines a digital to analog converter and a headphone amp into one easily portable package that you can carry along with your phone and a set of wired headphones.
Uncompressed files take much morestorage spacethan compressed files, but they have their advantages.
Related:What Are the Differences Between MP3, FLAC, and Other Audio Formats?
This is why we compress audio files.
In June 2021, Apple converted its entire catalog, which recently topped 100 million songs, to lossless.
Once youenable lossless audio in Apple Music, this service uses Apple’s ALAC codec to deliver lossless audio.
Hi-Res audiois also available as part of the base Apple Music subscription.
In 2021, Apple also added lossless audio support to the HomePod and HomePod mini.
Lossless audio in Apple Music is also available on Windows and Android devices.
Unfortunately, you probably won’t benefit from lossless audio if you’re using a Bluetooth connection.
The Lighting adapter or headphone ports on older devices only support up to 24-bit / 48Hkz.
Hi-res streams can reach higher than that, typically 24-bit / 192kHz.
Can You Use AirPods for Lossless Audio?
The answer is simple: no AirPods models support lossless audio, whether via Apple Music or another service.
This is true for the original AirPods, the Pro, and even the AirPods Max.
The reason is simple.
We’re starting to seelossless audio over Bluetoothbecoming available, but it’s not supported in any current AirPods.
Is Lossless Audio Worth on Apple Music Worth It?
In the vast majority of cases, yes, it’s worth enabling lossless audio for Apple Music.
Hi-res audio is another story.
