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Apple HomePod Devices Also Won't Play Lossless Audio

Another Apple device loss

By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 18, 2021 01:11PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Theater & Entertainment Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Apple’s addition of lossless music support that starts next month won’t work on its own HomePod devices. On Monday, Apple announced that it is adding a lossless audio catalog to Apple Music in June. MacRumors confirmed that the HomePod and HomePod mini devices wouldn’t support the new lossless audio features. Justin Sullivan / Staff Lossless audio is the original audio that the artist created in the studio, without any edits or additions, which many music lovers say provides an improved listening experience. Apple said in its announcement that Apple Music subscribers would be able to listen to 20 million tracks at launch, eventually adding a total of more than 75 million lossless audio songs. Lossless audio formats are not as compatible with all devices compared to formats like MP3, and lossless audio is known not to be as well supported on hardware devices such as smartphones and tablets. Lossless audio files also typically require much more storage space than other audio formats. However, Apple’s HomePod devices aren’t the only Apple-made devices that won’t support this new audio on Apple Music. T3 first reported on Monday that the new AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones and the AidPods Pro headphones also wouldn’t be able to play lossless music. Apple users were complaining on social media that for the high price of the AirPods Max headphones (starting at $549), they should be able to play any type of audio on them. Apple said that Apple Music’s new Lossless tier starts at CD quality, which is 16 bit at 44.1 kHz (kilohertz), goes up to 24 bit at 48 kHz, and is playable natively on Apple devices. The streaming service also offers Hi-Resolution Lossless all the way up to 24 bit at 192 kHz. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Apple AirPlay With HomePod Apple HomePod Mini Review: Music, Siri, and More Apple Intercom: What It Is and How to Use It How to Stream Music to Apple's HomePod How to Use Siri on iPhone 12 Everything You Need to Know About Apple HomePod What Is Amazon Music HD, and How Does It Work? Is an Apple TV Worth It? Google Home vs. Apple HomePod How Audio File Formats Differ and What This Means for Listeners How to Set up Apple HomePod FLAC File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Make Phone Calls With Your HomePod Everything You Need to Know About Apple Music You Have Options for Lossless Audio Ripping What Is Spatial Audio and How to Use It on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies