Bluetooth audio’s biggest upgrade in years is coming soon to headphones

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

A new generation of wireless headphones that are more power efficient, sound better, and support novel new features like being able to connect an unlimited number of devices to a single source is on the verge of being released. The Bluetooth standards body is officially announcing the completion of today's new features, thanks to the umbrella term for the collection of new features, "BLE Audio."

The goal was to have supporting devices out before the end of the year, but that didn't happen. The completion of the specification today means that manufacturers will be able to add support to their devices. The first compatible products are expected to be available by the end of the year.

Mark Powell is the CEO of theBluetooth SIG. The members of our group overcame a lot of challenges to complete the largest specification development project in the history of the bluetooth group. The boundaries of what can be done for the wireless audio market are extended by LE Audio.

The new LC3 codec, which is designed to be a much more efficient way to transmit audio, is likely to affect the most people. Either way, it means higher audio quality at the same bit rate, or at less than half the bit rate. Longer battery life can be achieved by using a lower bit rate.

Image: Bluetooth SIG

LC3 is part of the LE Audio umbrella. One of the key aspects is its ability to connect multiple audio devices to a single source. It is possible to pair two pairs of headphones to a single phone or multiple earbuds to a single TV. The website outlines how users will be able to search for audio sources like you would for a wi-fi network, or else connect by scanning a QR code, or using an Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled surface.

Better support for true wireless earbuds is one of the features. It is hoped that all of LE Audio's features will serve as a huge benefit for future hearing aids.

The aptX Lossless standard has been announced and it looks like it will be a big step forward in the months to come. We don't know if we'll need to purchase new devices to enjoy the benefits. Most people won't benefit until they buy upgraded hardware, even if it is possible for some existing devices to be updated to supportBLE.