Apple Music introduced lossless audio to provide listeners with studio-quality sound, offering an immersive music experience. Unlike standard audio formats, lossless audio delivers higher fidelity by preserving every detail of the original recording. Whether you’re an audiophile or someone looking to elevate your listening experience, enabling lossless audio in Apple Music is an excellent choice.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through what lossless audio is, its benefits, how to enable it on your iPhone or other Apple devices, and troubleshooting tips for common issues.
What Is Lossless Audio?
Lossless audio refers to sound files that retain all the data from the original recording, unlike compressed formats like MP3 or AAC, which discard some data to save space.
In Apple Music, lossless audio is available in two tiers:
1. Lossless Audio: Up to 24-bit/48kHz quality.
2. Hi-Resolution Lossless: Up to 24-bit/192kHz quality, requiring additional hardware like a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter).
Why Use Lossless Audio?
1. Enhanced Audio Quality: Hear music as the artist intended, with more clarity and detail.
2. Audiophile Experience: Ideal for those with high-quality headphones or speakers.
3. Wide Compatibility: Works across various Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Devices That Support Lossless Audio
Before enabling lossless audio, ensure your device supports it.
Compatible devices include:
1. iPhone and iPad: Running iOS 14.6 or later.
2. Mac: Running macOS 11.4 or later.
3. Apple TV 4K: Running tvOS 14.6 or later.
4. HomePod: Running software version 15 or later.
Note: Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, do not support lossless audio due to codec limitations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Lossless Audio
On iPhone or iPad
1. Open Settings
Launch the Settings app on your device.
2. Navigate to Apple Music
Scroll down and tap Music.
3. Enable Lossless Audio
- Under the “Audio” section, tap Audio Quality.
- Toggle on Lossless Audio.
4. Choose Streaming and Download Quality
Customize the quality for Wi-Fi Streaming, Cellular Streaming, and Downloads:
- High Efficiency: Lower quality to save data.
- High Quality: Standard AAC format (up to 256kbps).
- Lossless: Up to 24-bit/48kHz
- Hi-Res Lossless: Up to 24-bit/192kHz (requires a DAC).
5. Confirm Settings
Exit Settings, and your Apple Music will now play songs in lossless audio when available.
On Mac
1. Open Apple Music App
Launch the Apple Music app.
2. Access Preferences
In the menu bar, click Music > Preferences (or Settings on macOS Ventura or later).
3. Enable Lossless Audio
- Navigate to the Playback tab.
- Check the box next to Lossless Audio.
4. Adjust Quality
Choose your desired quality for streaming and downloads: Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless.
5. Save Changes
Click OK to confirm your settings.
On Apple TV 4K
1. Open Settings
Go to Settings on your Apple TV.
2. Navigate to Audio Settings
Select Music > Audio Quality.
3. Enable Lossless Audio
Toggle on Lossless Audio.
4. Choose Playback Quality
Select your preferred quality: Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless.
On HomePod
1. Update Software
Ensure your HomePod is running the latest software version.
2. Enable Lossless Audio
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your HomePod, then select Settings.
- Under “Audio Quality,” toggle on Lossless Audio.
Things to Consider
1. Storage Requirements: Lossless files are significantly larger, so ensure you have enough storage space.
2. Data Usage: Streaming in lossless quality consumes more data. Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid exceeding data limits.
3. DAC Requirement: For Hi-Res Lossless audio, a compatible DAC is needed for optimal playback.
Testing Lossless Audio
To confirm that lossless audio is working:
1. Open the Apple Music app and play a track.
2. Check the Now Playing screen.
3. Look for the Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless badge near the track title.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Lossless Audio Not Working
Solution: Ensure you’ve enabled lossless audio in settings and are playing a track that supports it.
2. Songs Keep Buffering
Solution: Switch to Wi-Fi or lower the streaming quality for cellular data.
3. No Hi-Res Lossless Option
Solution: Hi-Res Lossless requires a wired connection and a DAC for full compatibility.
4. Lossless Audio Missing on AirPods
Solution: Lossless audio isn’t supported over Bluetooth. Use a wired connection for lossless playback.
5. Limited Device Compatibility
Solution: Update your device’s software to the latest version.
Benefits of Lossless Audio in Apple Music
1. Enhanced Sound Clarity: Experience intricate details in your favorite tracks.
2. Better Instrument Separation: Hear each instrument distinctly, as if you were in the recording studio.
3. Personalized Listening: Ideal for users with high-quality audio equipment.
4. Accessibility: Lossless audio is available at no additional cost for Apple Music subscribers.
Using Lossless Audio with Third-Party Devices
1. Wired Headphones: Use Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters for wired headphones.
2. External DACs: Invest in a high-quality DAC to unlock the full potential of Hi-Res Lossless audio.
3. Speakers: Connect your iPhone or Mac to lossless-supported speakers for an enhanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Lossless Audio Cost Extra?
No, lossless audio is included at no additional cost for Apple Music subscribers.
2. Can I Use Lossless Audio on AirPods?
AirPods, including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, do not support lossless audio due to Bluetooth codec limitations.
3. How Much Storage Does Lossless Audio Require?
Lossless files are roughly 2-3 times larger than standard files, and Hi-Res Lossless files can be even larger.
4. Is Lossless Audio Available for All Songs?
Not all songs in Apple Music support lossless audio. Check for the Lossless badge in the app.
5. Can I Download Lossless Songs?
Yes, you can download songs in lossless quality by selecting the appropriate download setting.
Conclusion
Enabling lossless audio in Apple Music is a game-changer for anyone seeking high-quality sound. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily activate this feature on your iPhone, Mac, Apple TV, or HomePod. With lossless audio, you’ll experience music like never before, appreciating every nuance and detail as the artist intended.
While lossless audio does require more storage and data, the superior listening experience it delivers is well worth the trade-off. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, Apple Music’s lossless audio feature ensures that you can enjoy your favorite tracks in unparalleled quality.
Take the time to explore your music library in lossless quality and immerse yourself in a richer, more dynamic soundscape. With a little setup, you’ll unlock the full potential of Apple Music, transforming the way you experience music forever.