We have heard reports in the past that Apple is working on new high-resolution audio formats, and now, according to a new report, these will launch next year.
The news comes from Mac Otakara, who spoke to some industry sources at the Portable Audio Festival in Tokyo recently.
According to several insiders familiar with Apple, whose products are exhibited at PORTABLE AUDIO FESTIVAL 2015, the company has been developing Hi-Res Audio streaming up to 96kHz/24bit in 2016.
The Lightning terminal with iOS 9 is compatible up to 192kHz/24Bit, but we do not have information on the sampling frequency of Apple Music download music.
The Future of High-Resolution Audio
High-resolution audio is a significant step forward for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The move to higher sampling rates and bit depths means that listeners can experience music in a way that is closer to the original recording. This is particularly important for genres like classical and jazz, where the nuances of the performance can be lost in lower-quality formats.
Apple’s commitment to high-resolution audio could also influence the broader market. As one of the largest tech companies in the world, Apple’s adoption of new standards often sets trends that other companies follow. This could lead to a wider availability of high-resolution audio content and compatible devices.
The Impact of Removing the 3.5mm Jack
We recently heard a rumor that Apple would be getting rid of the 3.5mm audio jack with the iPhone 7 and instead using their Lightning port for audio. This move has been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, it allows for a slimmer device and potentially better audio quality through the Lightning port. On the other hand, it means that users will need adapters for their existing headphones or will have to invest in new Lightning-compatible or wireless headphones.
The removal of the 3.5mm jack could also pave the way for more advanced audio features. For example, the Lightning port can provide power to active noise-canceling headphones, eliminating the need for separate batteries. It also allows for more sophisticated digital-to-analog conversion, which can improve sound quality.
As soon as we get more details on exactly what Apple has planned for high-resolution audio next year, we will let you guys know.
What This Means for Apple Music
Apple Music, the company’s streaming service, could also see significant improvements with the introduction of high-resolution audio. Currently, most streaming services, including Apple Music, offer music at a maximum of 320kbps. While this is sufficient for most listeners, it falls short of the quality offered by high-resolution audio.
If Apple Music starts offering high-resolution audio streaming, it could attract a new segment of users who are looking for the best possible sound quality. This could also put pressure on other streaming services like Spotify and Tidal to improve their audio quality.
In conclusion, Apple’s move towards high-resolution audio is an exciting development for music lovers. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who enjoys good music, the improvements in sound quality will be noticeable. Keep an eye out for more updates as we learn more about Apple’s plans.
Source Mac Otakara, Mac Rumors
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