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Apple Music Lossless uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) to preserve audio data while compressing music. Apple offers two selectable quality tiers: Lossless, up to 24-bit/48 kHz, and Hi-Res Lossless, up to 24-bit/192 kHz. To hear lossless audio, use a supported wired or built-in audio path; Bluetooth connections are not lossless. Whether you need an external DAC depends on your device and the sample rate you want.
What Apple Music Lossless means
Apple says its catalog is encoded in ALAC at resolutions from 16-bit/44.1 kHz (CD quality) up to 24-bit/192 kHz. These figures describe the audio format, not a guarantee that every listener will hear a difference. Apple’s support guidance does not establish that all listeners can perceive a benefit.
The available quality ceilings are:
| Setting | Maximum resolution |
|---|---|
| Lossless | 24-bit/48 kHz |
| Hi-Res Lossless | 24-bit/192 kHz |
The catalog’s maximum resolution does not mean every track is available at that resolution. Apple describes a range of catalog resolutions, and the selectable tier sets the maximum quality for playback or downloads.
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What equipment and connection you need
Lossless playback requires an audio path that supports it. Apple says Bluetooth connections are not lossless. AirPods and most wireless Beats headphones use Apple’s AAC Bluetooth codec, so they do not deliver Apple Music Lossless over Bluetooth. Use a supported wired connection or a compatible built-in audio route instead. Apple also documents playback through built-in speakers, receivers, and powered speakers.
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For Hi-Res Lossless, the DAC requirement varies by device and sample rate. On iPhone, Apple says an external DAC is needed for playback above 48 kHz. On other platforms, requirements depend on the computer or device; consult Apple’s device-specific guidance before buying an adapter. A DAC is not automatically required for every lossless track or every device.
Turn on Lossless Audio
iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless Audio.
- Choose the quality separately for streaming and downloads.
On iPhone, playback above 48 kHz requires an external DAC. You can also use supported wired headphones, receivers, powered speakers, or built-in speakers.
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- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
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Mac
- Open the Music app and go to Music > Settings > Playback.
- Enable lossless audio and select the quality for streaming and downloads.
Apple says 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models support native playback up to 96 kHz. Other Macs need an external DAC for sample rates above 48 kHz.
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- Open the Apple Music app’s settings.
- Select Audio Quality and enable Lossless.
- Choose streaming and download quality, then use a wired audio connection.
An external DAC may be needed above 48 kHz, depending on the Android device.
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Windows
- In Apple Music, open Settings > Playback.
- Enable lossless audio and choose streaming and download quality.
Apple documents wired audio and built-in speakers for Windows playback. An external DAC may be needed above 48 kHz, depending on the computer.
HomePod and Apple TV 4K
Apple provides separate setup instructions for HomePod and Apple TV. Hi-Res Lossless on Apple TV is limited to Apple TV 4K (3rd generation or later); check Apple’s current guidance for the applicable setup steps.
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- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
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- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Manage data, downloads, and storage
Apple says lossless streaming uses significantly more data, while lossless downloads use significantly more storage. Higher resolutions use more data. If your data plan or device storage is limited, choose streaming and download quality independently rather than setting both to the highest tier.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChanging the quality setting does not upgrade music already downloaded. To replace an Apple Music download with its lossless version, delete the existing download, enable Lossless Audio, and download the track again.
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Lossless and Dolby Atmos are different features
Dolby Atmos is spatial audio, not a higher Lossless tier. Apple documents separate Dolby Atmos settings and badges. A Dolby Atmos badge by itself does not show that a track is available in lossless; check for the Lossless badge as well.
Availability and changing device support
Apple says Apple Music and lossless audio are not available in every country or region. Device menus, hardware support, and software requirements may also change, so check Apple’s current instructions for your device before changing settings or purchasing an adapter.
Quick Recap
Apple’s support guidance
- About lossless audio in Apple Music
- Play lossless audio in Music on iPhone
- Play lossless audio in Apple Music on Windows
- About Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos in Apple Music
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