It's NOT Apple Lossless audio if you don't do this! ⚠️

TL;DR

Despite claims of lossless audio, iPhones don't support it over Bluetooth.

Transcript

are you really getting lossless audio on your iPhone as many of you know since Apple devices deliver Bluetooth audio over a sequel deck it doesn't qualify as lossless at all compared to devices that transmits over higher resolution codecs like LD AC or lhdc but what apple is really referring to when they say apple lossless is not to the transmissio... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Lossless audio claims by Apple refer to the ALAC file format, not Bluetooth quality.
• 👂 Activating the lossless toggle in Apple Music settings is essential for experiencing improved sound quality.
• 📁 Lossless audio files vary significantly in size, often 3 to 3.5 times larger than AAC files.
• 😑 Streaming lossless audio can lead to rapid depletion of mobile data, making pre-downloads preferable.
• 🤑 ALAC files can provide richer soundscapes with better separation of tracks and depth in the audio.
• ✋ Apple suggests using external DACs for users wanting to experience higher resolution audio (24-bit/192 kHz).
• 👤 Users must be mindful of previously downloaded songs as they might hinder the ability to experience true lossless playback.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between AAC and ALAC on Apple Music?

AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is a lossy format used by Apple Music for most tracks, which compresses audio data to save space but sacrifices some sound quality. In contrast, ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) provides a higher-quality audio experience by maintaining the original sound fidelity, making it suitable for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over file size.

Q: How do I enable lossless audio on my iPhone?

To enable lossless audio on your iPhone, navigate to Settings, then Music, and find the Audio Quality section. Here, you can toggle the 'Lossless Audio' option on. You also have the choice to select lossless playback over Wi-Fi or mobile data, though streaming over data is not recommended due to bandwidth limitations.

Q: Why is it recommended to pre-download songs in lossless format?

Pre-downloading songs in lossless format is recommended because it allows you to enjoy superior sound quality without the risk of excessive data usage. Lossless files, being significantly larger than standard AAC files, consume more data. This ensures you can listen to your favorite tracks at high fidelity without impacting your monthly data plan.

Q: What happens if I don't delete previous downloads before downloading lossless versions?

If you don’t delete previous AAC downloads, even after turning on the lossless option, your device will continue to play those compressed files. To access the lossless version, you must delete the song and then download it again, ensuring that you get the ALAC format, which offers a remarkable improvement in sound quality.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Apple's definition of lossless audio refers to the file format (ALAC) and not the Bluetooth transmission method, which cannot deliver true lossless quality on iPhones.

• To access lossless audio on Apple Music, users must enable the lossless toggle in the settings and ensure they have the ALAC file, not the compressed AAC version.

• It is advisable to download songs in lossless format over Wi-Fi instead of streaming them on mobile data to avoid data overage, especially since lossless files are significantly larger.