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Apple TV Won't Support Hi-Res Lossless at Launch, AirPods Max Wired Playback 'Will Not Be Completely Lossless'

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Apple today shared a new support document confirming that the HomePod and HomePod mini will gain lossless audio support for Apple Music in a future software update, and the document also reveals some other tidbits.

airpods-max-lifestyle.jpg

First, the document indicates that the Apple TV 4K "currently doesn't support Hi-Res Lossless," with only the standard Lossless tier ranging from 16-bit at 44.1 kHz to 24-bit at 48 kHz to be available on the Apple TV 4K at launch. Apple's use of the word "currently" leaves the door open to a future software update with Hi-Res Lossless support for the device, but Apple has not confirmed this at this time.

Second, the document says that Apple Music "will not be completely lossless" during wired playback with the AirPods Max:
The Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable was designed to allow AirPods Max to connect to analog sources for listening to movies and music. AirPods Max can be connected to devices playing Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless recordings with exceptional audio quality. However, given the analog to digital conversion in the cable, the playback will not be completely lossless.
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Lossless audio refers to a form of compression that preserves all of the original data, which can result in an improved listening experience, although to what extent is debated. Apple's support document acknowledges that the difference between Apple Music's standard audio and lossless audio will be "virtually indistinguishable."

Lossless audio will be available in June for all Apple Music subscribers at no additional cost on devices running iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6, macOS 11.4, and tvOS 14.6 or later, according to Apple. Apple Music will have 20 million tracks available with lossless audio at launch, and Apple said 75 million tracks will be supported by the end of the year.

Apple Music will also be gaining support for Spatial Audio in June. Based on Dolby Atmos, this feature will provide an immersive three-dimensional audio experience that will make music sound like it is coming from all around you. Thousands of Apple Music tracks will support Spatial Audio at launch, with more added regularly.

Article Link: Apple TV Won't Support Hi-Res Lossless at Launch, AirPods Max Wired Playback 'Will Not Be Completely Lossless'
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/05/22/apple-tv-airpods-max-lossless-audio-details/
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This entire rollout makes no sense to me. They’re making a big deal out of it, while at the same time admitting it is “virtually indistinguishable” from lossy format, and most of their devices dont even support it. It just seems very stupid. I know there’s zero chance I could ever tell the difference
 
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apparatchik said:
“Apple Music's standard audio and lossless audio will be "virtually indistinguishable."

Is that right? Why the big fuss then, seems like a huge waste of resources the whole thing, even me following the saga…
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A small minority in the world can hear the subtle differences and choose to invest in the equipment which allows them to hear it.

Not for me, but whatever floats your boat 🤷‍♂️
 
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MacFan23 said:
A small minority in the world can hear the subtle differences and choose to invest in the equipment which allows them to hear it.

Not for me, but whatever floats your boat 🤷‍♂️
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I don't know why there's so many people are up in arms over this feature. Majority of people wouldn't know the difference. I think it's a great option AND AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. Tidal HiFi... tried it out at discount prices... never could tell the difference.

I will try it out on my Apple TV 4K through my receiver system. Playing Apple Music through my system in its current form... I just reach for the vinyl.
 
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apparatchik said:
“Apple Music's standard audio and lossless audio will be "virtually indistinguishable."

Is that right? Why the big fuss then, seems like a huge waste of resources the whole thing, even me following the saga…
Click to expand...
That is a good point it’s called competition. Spotify, tidal, Amazon are offering it, so Apple Music has to too. Most people can not tell the difference and even those who say they can get fooled in a blind test. Most music is in the under 12khz range. Think you can, download a tone generator app, and see where you can’t hear anymore, plus recall how many instruments you know that play at the higher frequencies- none
 
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Maybe audio pass through will have to be enabled to make hi-res work? That would be a nice plus for plex if Apple enabled that on the Apple TV (and enabled third party apps to use it)
 
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