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To enable Lossless Audio, open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality, turn on Lossless Audio, then choose the quality you want for cellular streaming, Wi-Fi streaming, and downloads. Lossless is a setting for the audio Apple Music delivers; Bluetooth headphones still cannot play it as Lossless.
Turn on Lossless Audio and choose a quality
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Apps, then Music.
- Tap Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless Audio.
- Choose a quality separately for Cellular Streaming, Wi-Fi Streaming, and Downloads. Select Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless where available.
Apple’s current iPhone guide documents these labels and the settings path: Play lossless audio in Music on iPhone. Availability of Apple Music and its Lossless catalog varies by country or region.
Choose between Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless
Apple Music’s catalog uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), with formats ranging from 16-bit/44.1 kHz through 24-bit/192 kHz. The setting you choose sets a maximum; it does not guarantee every track is available or played at that resolution. Track availability, network conditions, and the connected audio equipment affect the result.
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| Setting | Maximum format stated by Apple | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless | Up to 24-bit/48 kHz | Does not require an external DAC for playback on iPhone. |
| Hi-Res Lossless | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz | Playback above 48 kHz on iPhone requires an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC). |
Apple identifies the format limits and DAC requirement in its iPhone guide and lossless audio support article. A DAC is therefore only needed if you want to play above 48 kHz; it is not a requirement for standard Lossless.
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Pick settings for cellular, Wi-Fi, and downloads
Lossless streaming uses significantly more data than lower-quality playback, and downloaded Lossless music uses significantly more storage. Higher resolutions consume more data. Apple does not provide one universal data or file-size multiplier, since use varies with the audio and listening conditions.
- Cellular streaming: If your data allowance is limited, select a lower cellular quality and reserve Lossless for Wi-Fi or downloads. Apple warns that High Quality, Lossless, and Hi-Res Lossless use significantly more cellular data than High Efficiency; they may incur carrier charges and songs may take longer to start. See Add music to iPhone and listen offline.
- Wi-Fi streaming: Choose Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless if you prefer that setting and have sufficient bandwidth. Network conditions can affect playback.
- Downloads: Choose the download quality with storage in mind. Downloaded songs are available offline, but Lossless versions take more device storage.
Use a playback connection that can deliver Lossless
Bluetooth headphones
Bluetooth connections are not Lossless. Apple says AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and wireless Beats headphones use Apple’s AAC Bluetooth codec; turning on Lossless does not change that limitation. These headphones may still provide good audio quality, but the Bluetooth link does not carry Lossless audio.
Rank #2
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Wired or built-in playback
Apple says iPhone can play Lossless through a wired connection to headphones, a receiver, or powered speakers, as well as through its built-in speakers. To play Hi-Res audio above 48 kHz, use an external DAC; check that the DAC and your iPhone’s connection are compatible with your equipment. Apple describes these connection limits in its lossless audio support article.
Replace downloads made before enabling Lossless
Switching on Lossless does not upgrade files already stored on your iPhone. To obtain Lossless versions of previously downloaded songs, delete those downloads and download the tracks again from the Apple Music catalog. Apple gives this guidance in its iPhone guide.
Rank #3
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- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
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Check whether a track is available in Lossless
Apple says an album page displays a Lossless badge when music is available in Lossless. In Now Playing, the Lossless icon appears when Lossless Audio is enabled in settings. A badge indicates availability, not that Bluetooth playback is Lossless or that a track will always stream at its maximum resolution.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
Rank #4
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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.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- 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.*
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
