As announced this year, Apple has introduced Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio to Apple Music subscribers. Initially offering over 20 million lossless tracks, Apple aims to expand its library to 75 million by year-end. The best part? Lossless Audio support is included in your existing Apple Music subscription at no extra cost. Ready to enjoy high-fidelity audio on your Apple device? Here’s how:
Streaming Lossless Audio in Apple Music (2021)
For the uninitiated, Lossless Audio compresses songs without sacrificing quality. ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) preserves all attributes, including depth and texture, maintaining the original music’s integrity. You’ll hear music as intended by the artist. Now, let’s dive in!
Requirements for Streaming Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless Audio
Before proceeding with the steps, ensure you meet the basic requirements.
To stream lossless audio, ensure your device is compatible. Apple Lossless Audio requires iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6, macOS 11.4, and tvOS 14.6 or later. Android users need Apple Music version 3.6.0 for lossless audio.
Apple offers two Lossless Audio tiers – standard CD-quality and Hi-Res. Standard CD-quality is 16-bit/44.1kHz, upgradable to 24-bit/48kHz. Hi-Res goes up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The iPhone and Mac support 24-bit/48kHz audio. Lightning headphones and the Mac’s 3.5mm jack support this. Apple’s Lightning headphone adapter includes a DAC supporting 24-bit/48kHz.
Apple’s 3.5mm Lightning headphone adapter supports high-end wired headphones, but not Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm audio cable for AirPods Max, which doesn’t support Lossless streaming. To stream Apple Lossless Audio, wired headphones or speakers are necessary. Explore the best audiophile headphones for a Hi-Fi listening experience in the linked article.
Keep in mind the need for additional hardware, such as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), capable of handling 24-bit audio up to 192kHz for streaming High-Res Lossless Audio on Apple Music.
AirPods and HomePod Lack Apple Lossless Audio Support
Ironically, Apple’s headphones, including AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, lack Lossless Audio support. This limitation extends to HomePod and HomePod mini as well, due to constraints posed by Bluetooth, analog-to-digital conversion, and the Apple Lossless Audio Codec. Despite HomePod’s utilization of AirPlay for device connection, it fails to leverage Apple Music’s higher bitrate.
Regrettably, there’s uncertainty regarding Apple’s timeline for incorporating ALAC support into its headphones. Given Bluetooth 5.0’s ability to handle higher bitrates, adapting Apple’s popular headphones for lossless audio shouldn’t present a significant challenge.
Activating Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless Audio on iPhone and iPad
To begin Hi-Res lossless audio streaming, enable it on your iPhone or iPad:
1. Open Settings, then navigate to “Music”.
2. Select “Audio Quality” and toggle on “Lossless Audio”.
3. Choose Hi-Res Lossless for Wi-Fi and Mobile Data streaming to enjoy high-quality music (ALAC up to 24-bit/192kHz).
4. In the Apple Music app, find albums and tracks labeled with “Lossless” and “Apple Digital Master”. Tap play for a Hi-Res lossless audio experience.
Additionally, head into Settings on your Apple TV and Mac to customize the lossless audio experience.
Top Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) for Apple Music Lossless Audio
To enjoy lossless audio in Apple Music on your iPhone or iPad, a capable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is essential. Consider these top picks:
1. Chord Mojo
For streaming lossless audio in Apple Music, the Chord Mojo is an excellent all-in-one DAC choice. Its lightweight, compact design allows for convenient portability, fitting comfortably even in a small pocket.
Chord Mojo is designed for iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac, ensuring seamless music streaming across platforms. The headphone amplifier supports various audio file formats, renowned for its clarity. It boasts a built-in battery lasting 8-10 hours on a single charge. Despite its $700 price tag, Chord Mojo offers premium features.
Available on Amazon: $699
2. AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt
Sporting a sleek form, AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt serves as a proficient digital-to-analog converter. It incorporates an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and supports music files from MP3 to Hi-Res audio (up to 24-bit / 96kHz). It is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. Regarding sound quality, it meets expectations, thanks to the minimum phase slow roll-off filter ensuring crystal clear audio.
Overall, Dragonfly Cobalt stands out as one of the finest digital-to-analog converters for streaming Lossless Audio via Apple Music on an iPhone.
Available on Amazon: $299
3. XtremPro
If you seek a cost-effective USB DAC for streaming Hi-Fi audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz) on your iPhone, XtremPro appears as a prime choice. Not only is it budget-friendly compared to most digital-to-analog converters, but it also supports all music file types. Even in sound quality, it competes fiercely with pricier alternatives.
Buy from Amazon: $32.99
Note: Keep in mind, you’ll also need an efficient USB adapter for use with a digital-to-analog converter. For a reliable option, consider the Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter for playing lossless audio in Apple Music.
Buy Apple Lightning to USB camera adapter: $24
Is Apple Music the Sole Lossless Audio Supporting Service?
Other streaming services that support lossless audio include Amazon Music HD, Tidal, and Qoboz. Spotify has hinted at Hi-Fi streaming but has not yet implemented lossless audio for all users. If you prefer not to use Apple Music, you have other options for a lossless audio experience.
Keep in mind that Apple does not charge extra for streaming lossless or Hi-Res audio, unlike some competitors. Amazon Music also offers its “HD” lossless tier to existing subscribers at no additional cost.
Stream Lossless Audio on iPhone and iPad with Apple Music
That’s it! You can now play lossless audio in Apple Music on your iPhone or iPad. While the introduction of lossless audio is positive for Apple Music, the lack of AirPods and HomePod support has dampened excitement for many. Hopefully, Apple will release audio products supporting lossless audio streaming soon. What are your thoughts on lossless audio? Will it give Apple Music a competitive edge over rivals like Spotify and YouTube Music? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
