Apple hi-res audio rumours return for 2016

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It's not the first time we've seen rumours about Apple and hi-res music, and it probably won't be the last...

The latest snippet suggests Apple wants to deliver hi-res audio as part of its Apple Music service, with Japanese website Macotakara saying Apple wants to deliver "streaming up to 96kHz/24bit in 2016".

The story claims audio manufacturers in Japan are "preparing" for an Apple hi-res audio service that would take advantage of Apple's Lightning connection to natively support hi-res on iOS devices.

Using an app such as Onkyo HF player you can already output hi-res music from an iPhone via the Lightning connection. And there are already headphones on the market that connect via the Apple Lightning port, such as the Philips M2L earphones, and support hi-res music. It might therefore make sense for Apple to bring this functionality in-house.

The Apple rumour mill rarely stops turning, and we've seen reports suggesting the next iOS devices could ditch the traditional headphone jack for the Lightning connection - or for a completely new headphone connection altogether.

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The same Japanese website has been behind many of the Apple hi-res rumours, such as the report last year that iOS 8 would support hi-res audio. Previously, MacRumours had suggested iTunes was in line for an overhaul that could see high-res audio downloads coming to the iTunes Store. The idea that Apple was investigating 24-bit iTunes downloads began as far back as 2011. Now it seems likely streaming audio would be the focus.

Apple Music currently delivers lossy 256kbps AAC files, with no lossless, CD-quality option. Deezer Elite, Tidal and Qobuz all offer a CD-quality subscription for a higher monthly subscription.

Rumours abound that Tidal will make the leap to hi-res audio streams some time in 2016, most likely using the MQA codec developed by Meridian, with the possibility of an official announcement at CES 2016. Could Apple follow suit? We'll have to wait and see...

MORE: High-resolution music - everything you need to know

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).