Step into a revolution of sound – Apple Music has transformed into a wonderland of Dolby Atmos Music tracks (courtesy of Apple’s mind-bending Spatial Audio wizardry) alongside a treasure trove of millions of tracks swimming in lossless audio at a staggering 24-bit/192kHz clarity. The best part? Every subscriber gets whisked away to this audio paradise without a single extra penny leaving their pocket.
A feast for your ears that costs nothing more? Sounds too delicious to resist. But before your auditory senses start dancing in celebration, there’s a plot twist – your journey requires the right sonic chariot. Your existing headphones or earbuds might not be the magic carpet you need to soar through these crystalline sound waves. The path to audio nirvana comes with unexpected twists and turns that many melody seekers overlook.
Prepare for enlightenment as we unveil the sacred artifacts required to unlock the full potential of lossless audio and the immersive universe of Dolby Atmos tracks in Apple Music. Short on time and patience? Fear not, sound pilgrim – whisk yourself to the scroll’s end where our mystical cheat sheet awaits, ready to decode what sonic wonders your current hardware can summon.
Lossless: It’s all about ALAC
ALAC, or Apple Lossless Audio Codec, is the file format Apple Music will use to stream lossless audio tracks. The Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec that Apple Music uses for its standard (lossy) audio quality, enjoys wide compatibility among wireless headphones, speakers, and streaming devices. But ALAC is a different beast and has some special requirements.
Most devices that can run the Apple Music app — including all current Apple iPhones, iPads, and Macs running the latest software — will support lossless ALAC audio. But just because your phone or computer can work with ALAC doesn’t mean you’ll be able to hear the extra quality ALAC offers through your normal speakers or headphones.
Let’s break it down to see if your current gear will work or if you’ll need to make some additional investments.
Listening to lossless via headphones
Apple Music’s lossless audio is available in three tiers: 16-bit/44.1 kHz, 24-bit/48 kHz, and 24-bit/192 kHz. What’s the difference? Well, the first tier (16-bit/44.1 kHz) is considered CD-quality, which means you shouldn’t notice a difference between listening to these tracks and an actual CD. The next two tiers are regarded as better-than-CD quality. Not everyone agrees they can perceive the subtle improvements these tiers provide, but since other streaming services have begun to offer them, Apple has decided to follow suit.
Regardless of the tier you choose, most wireless headphones and earbuds won’t allow you to hear that extra quality. Bluetooth, the technology used by all wireless headphones, doesn’t have sufficient bandwidth to support streaming lossless audio.
This isn’t necessarily a black-and-white issue. Some wireless headphones, like Sony’s WH-1000XM4, support very high-quality Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD. When paired with a compatible phone, you’ll be able to experience more of Apple’s lossless quality, but even then, it won’t be perfect. Even the best Bluetooth codecs still strip out some audio information as they transmit the signal to the headphones.
Unfortunately, Apple’s wireless devices do not support these codecs, so much of that lossless quality will be compromised.
So, how exactly should you hear Apple Music’s lossless audio?
For now, Apple recommends using a wired set of headphones or earbuds, which isn’t as easy now that Apple, Google, and Samsung have eliminated the headphone jack on their phones.
If you own a pair of Apple AirPods Max with USB-C, you are in luck. A 2025 software update means you can listen to lossless quality content with your headphones—wired, not wireless.
Don’t worry; you’re not going to miss out on the lossless experience, but you will need an accessory or two, the most important of which is an external DAC.
Attack of the DAC
You may not realize it, but if you’ve ever listened to digital audio from a phone, tablet, or PC, you’ve been using a digital-to-analog converter, better known as a DAC.
DACs convert a bunch of ones and zeroes into an electrical signal that speakers can reproduce as audible sound. Ever listened to music using your phone’s built-in speakers? It was the phone’s internal DAC that handled the conversion.
While virtually every device that is capable of playing digital audio possesses a DAC, not all DACs are created equal. Some are limited as to the kinds of digital audio they can process, and there can be huge differences in overall sound quality from one DAC to another. DAC specifications are the kind of thing that audiophiles love to argue about.
If you head over to Amazon and search for “lightning-to-3.5mm adapter,” you’ll find dozens of short cables that cost anywhere from $7 to $35. These tiny accessories let you plug a wired set of headphones into an iPhone’s Lightning port because hidden inside their plastic housing is a DAC.
The DACs in these “made for iPhone” adapters share a common trait: They can convert lossless digital audio files into analog signals, but they can only handle up to 24-bit/48kHz and no higher. That’s sufficient for you to hear the first two tiers of lossless audio from Apple Music, but it won’t get you the third and highest quality level (24-bit/192kHz).
Android users, you can get in on the adapter party, too. There are just as many USB-C-to-3.5mm adapters out there, and these DACs can usually go a little higher in their support for lossless audio — up to 24-bit/96Khz. That’s still not going to cut it for Apple Music’s top lossless tier, but you’ll definitely get to enjoy lossless music.
For most iPhone and Android owners, the only way to experience Apple Music’s top lossless tier is through the use of an external, hi-res DAC. These devices are essentially the same as the Lightning or USB-C adapters, but they contain more powerful DAC chipsets that can handle digital audio formats as high as 24-bit/192kHz and beyond.
There’s a wide variety of external hi-res DACs ranging in price from $50 to well over $2,000. For the most convenient and portable solution, look for products that can be powered from either an iPhone’s Lightning port or an Android phone’s USB-C port. These include Astell & Kern’s USB-C Dual DAC, Linsoul xDuoo Link, Maktar Spectra X2, and THX Onyx Portable DAC.
Some Android owners will get to sidestep the whole adapter/external DAC hassle because select Android phones have both a headphone jack and a very high-quality internal DAC. The LG V60 ThinQ and the Asus ROG Phone 5, for instance, both have DACs capable of playing up to 32-bit/384kHz — more than enough to handle Apple Music’s top lossless tier. If you own a phone with these features, you don’t need anything else. Just plug your cans or buds straight into the phone, and that’s it.
One thing to keep in mind: Just because you own a phone or tablet with a headphone jack doesn’t mean the device’s internal DAC can keep up with all of Apple Music’s lossless tiers. The iPhone 6, for instance, had a headphone jack, but Apple limited the DAC to 16-bit/44.1kHz. That’ll work with the first tier (CD-quality) but not the other two tiers. If you’re not sure what your phone can support, Google the specs. GSMArena.com is a great resource for this.
Hi-res headphones
In an era where music streaming services increasingly offer hi-res audio options, the right headphones have become essential for experiencing music as artists truly intended. Hi-res headphones are specifically engineered to reproduce the full sound spectrum in high-resolution audio files, capturing subtleties and nuances that standard headphones might miss. This guide explores what makes hi-res headphones special and highlights some noteworthy options on the market today.
Hi-resolution headphones typically feature wider frequency response ranges (often extending beyond the standard 20Hz-20kHz human hearing range), superior drivers, and better construction to minimize distortion. Many are designed to handle sampling rates of 96 kHz or higher and bit depths of 24-bit or greater. The Hi-Res Audio certification, established by the Japan Audio Society, has become a common standard for products capable of reproducing frequencies up to 40 kHz.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S represents the pinnacle of open-back headphone design. Its 56mm drivers—among the largest in any dynamic headphone—are housed in a precision-engineered frame that minimizes resonance. These headphones reproduce sound with remarkable clarity across the frequency spectrum, offering a soundstage that feels expansive and natural. Though commanding a premium price of around $1,800, they remain a reference standard for critical listening and professional audio work.
Sony’s MDR-Z1R headphones merge cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship. They feature massive 70mm magnesium dome drivers encased in ergonomic ear cups fashioned from sheepskin leather. Thanks to a unique resonance-free housing, these closed-back headphones deliver phenomenal bass response while maintaining crystal clear highs. The attention to detail extends to the oxygen-free copper cables with gold-plated connectors, ensuring signal integrity throughout the audio chain.
For those seeking a more accessible entry point to high-res audio, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro offers exceptional value. These open-back headphones feature Tesla drivers, providing precise, detailed sound reproduction with impressive transient response. Handcrafted in Germany, they come with two ear pads that allow users to customize the sound signature—one emphasizing analytical listening, the other offering a slightly warmer presentation. Their robust construction and replaceable parts ensure years of reliable use.
Audeze has revolutionized the headphone market with their planar magnetic technology, and the LCD-X represents one of their most balanced offerings. Unlike conventional dynamic drivers, planar magnetic drivers utilize a thin diaphragm suspended between magnetic arrays, resulting in lightning-fast response times and vanishingly low distortion. The LCD-X reproduces complex orchestral passages with remarkable separation and portrays intimate vocal performances with breathtaking presence. Though slightly heavier than some competitors, the superior sound quality justifies the extra ounce.
The renowned French speaker manufacturer Focal has successfully translated its acoustic expertise to personal audio with the Focal Clear MG. These open-back headphones feature the company’s distinctive “M”-shaped pure magnesium dome drivers, delivering exceptional dynamics and detail without harshness. Their ability to reproduce acoustic instruments with lifelike timbre and texture is awe-inspiring. The premium materials extend to the perforated microfiber earpads and leather headband, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions.
Not all high-resolution headphones require being tethered to a desktop amplifier. The Shure AONIC 50 wireless headphones support multiple high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC and aptX HD, while also offering a wired connection option for purists. Their noise-cancellation technology makes them versatile companions for audiophiles on the move, though the sound signature remains remarkably neutral regardless of the listening environment.
Similarly, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition combines sophisticated styling with support for hi-res audio streaming via aptX Adaptive technology. These wireless headphones feature 43.6mm drivers designed to respond with the speed and precision necessary for complex high-resolution audio material. The carbon fiber composite construction reduces unwanted resonance while keeping the weight manageable for daily use.
Listening on your connected speakers
Bluetooth speakers will never be able to join in on the lossless audio party for the same reason as Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. But Wi-Fi speakers are a different story thanks to their higher-bandwidth wireless connections.
Apple’s HomePod and HomePod Mini weren’t part of the initial Apple Music lossless audio announcement, but the company has since said that a software update will bring them into the loop to support lossless playback. When that happens, you can expect to hear 16-bit/44.1kHz and 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio, but 24-bit-/192kHz is unlikely to ever make it to these products.
Other Wi-Fi speakers will likely support some tiers of lossless audio from Apple Music but not necessarily all three tiers.
Sonos, for instance, recently added support for lossless audio up to 24-bit/48kHz when streaming to its speakers from the Qobuz streaming music service. It would make sense if these speakers could support the same tier from Apple Music.
But none of Sonos’ products are currently considered hi-res capable, so it’s unlikely they will ever support 24-bit/192kHz.
Other Wi-Fi speakers from companies like Denon and Bluesound are considered hi-res devices. They can natively decode 24-bit/192kHz digital audio from personal libraries as well as services like Amazon Music HD and Tidal. Will these products gain access to Apple Music’s top tier?
As long as they’re allowed to stream directly from Apple Music, the answer is likely yes. However not all hi-res capable Wi-Fi speakers can claim this. Both Denon and Bluesound lack native Apple Music support. To hear Apple Music via these products, you’ll need to use Apple AirPlay, which is currently limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz but might be upgraded to allow 24-bit/48kHz. AirPlay probably won’t go as high as 24-bit/192kHz.
If you own a great set of powered bookshelf speakers and don’t mind a few extra cables here and there, you can plug them into a Mac (or an iPhone or Android device) with an external DAC connected between them. Depending on the DAC and the speakers, this setup should let you hear full lossless audio from Apple Music.
Turn the feature on
Apple won’t necessarily have lossless on by default because of how much data hi-res tracks need when streaming from Apple Music servers. To turn it on, go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality. When you toggle Lossless on, you also have the option to adjust the quality. You can go to the standard lossless resolution at 24-bit/48kHz or hi-res lossless at 24-bit/192kHz.
Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio
Dolby Atmos Music offers a more immersive, 3D way to listen to music. Thousands of tracks on the Apple Music library will get the Dolby Atmos treatment via Apple’s support of spatial audio.
If you have an iPhone or Android phone and a set of headphones — yes, even wireless ones — you’ve already got everything you need to experience Dolby Atmos Music.
If you’re using AirPods or Beats headphones with an H1 or W1 chip, Atmos versions of your selected tracks will be chosen by default. For other kinds of headphones, you may have to select Atmos manually: Go to Settings > Music > Audio and set Dolby Atmos to Always On.
Atmos will also work automatically on the built-in speakers for select iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. Support for this is a bit uneven. For example, the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air from 2018 and later support it, whereas the 2019 iMac does not. Any iPhone 12, 11, and XS model works with it, along with iPad Pro models starting in 2018. The later your device, the more likely it can work with Atmos.
Unfortunately, this rule doesn’t apply to the Apple Watch: Dolby Atmos Music tracks can’t be downloaded to or played from an Apple Watch.
You can also hear Dolby Atmos from Apple Music if you own an Atmos-capable soundbar or A/V receiver, but you will need an Apple TV 4K to act as the arbiter. The Atmos signal will pass through Apple’s set-top box and play through the receiver or soundbar that way.
Some TVs can passthrough Dolby Atmos via their HDMI ARC or eARC connection. If your TV is among them, you can connect the Apple TV 4K to one of your TV’s non-ARC HDMI ports, and the TV will transfer just the audio to your connected audio gear.
We know that Apple’s HomePod can do Dolby Atmos when you have two of these speakers paired to an Apple TV 4K in a home theater setup, but Apple has yet to confirm if you’ll be able to stream Dolby Atmos Music tracks directly from Apple Music without the help of an Apple TV 4K.
The HomePod mini can’t do Dolby Atmos in an Apple TV 4K-based home theater setup, which makes us suspect it won’t be able to support Dolby Atmos Music in any configuration.
Your best bet for Dolby Atmos Music outside of the HomePod or a dedicated home theater speaker system is Amazon’s Echo Studio. It can stream Dolby Atmos Music from Amazon Music HD, which means it should theoretically be able to do the same from Apple Music, but this has yet to be confirmed by either Apple or Amazon.
Apple Music playback format cheat sheet
Catch all that? If not, here’s a quick look at different hardware combinations and how they affect what you can hear.
iPhone with wireless earbuds or headphones
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: Yes
Apple Watch with wireless earbuds or headphones
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: No
iPhone with wired earbuds/headphones and Lightning adapter
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: Yes
iPhone with wired earbuds/headphones and hi-res external DAC
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: Yes
- Dolby Atmos Music: Yes
Android phone with wired earbuds/headphones and hi-res internal DAC
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: Yes
- Dolby Atmos Music: No**
Android phone with wired earbuds/headphones and USB-C adapter
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: No**
Android phone with wired earbuds/headphones and hi-res external DAC
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: Yes
- Dolby Atmos Music: No**
Android phone with regular wireless earbuds or headphones
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: No**
Android phone with aptX HD- or LDAC-capable wireless earbuds or headphones
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes*
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes*
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: Yes*
- Dolby Atmos Music: No**
iPhone or Android phone with a Bluetooth speaker
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: No
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: No
Lossless-capable Wi-Fi speaker
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: No
- Dolby Atmos Music: No
Hi-res lossless-capable Wi-Fi speaker
- Lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/48kHz: Yes
- Lossless 24-bit/192kHz: Yes
- Dolby Atmos Music: No
*You won’t get a fully lossless signal, but much more of the detail will be preserved than with non-aptX HD- or LDAC-capable wireless earbuds/headphones.
**At launch, Dolby Atmos Music is not supported on Android devices. Apple says this feature will be coming “later.”
