Does Apple Music have lossless audio? The answer is yes, and the feature has been available since mid-2021. Apple Music offers subscribers the ability to stream millions of songs in lossless quality at no additional cost. This upgrade brought Apple Music in line with, and in some ways ahead of, its streaming rivals.
Lossless audio means that music is delivered in a format that preserves all the details of the original recording, unlike compressed formats that may cut out subtle elements. With Apple’s adoption of this technology, listeners can experience music in higher fidelity and greater clarity.
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The Launch of Lossless on Apple Music
Apple Music officially introduced lossless audio in June 2021. At launch, the catalog included more than 75 million songs encoded in Apple’s Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). This codec enables music to be streamed starting at CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and extending to Hi-Resolution Lossless (24-bit/192 kHz).
Importantly, Apple made this feature available to all subscribers without requiring a more expensive tier. This move set Apple Music apart from some competitors that restricted higher fidelity audio to premium pricing levels.
Different Levels of Lossless Audio
Apple Music offers two levels of lossless audio:
- Lossless: CD quality at 16-bit/44.1 kHz up to 24-bit/48 kHz.
- Hi-Res Lossless: A higher standard at up to 24-bit/192 kHz, offering studio-quality sound.
For Hi-Res Lossless, listeners typically need an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to fully enjoy the audio quality. Standard lossless, however, works seamlessly on most Apple devices.
Recent Updates in 2025
Apple continues to enhance its support for lossless audio. In 2025, the company updated the AirPods Max with a USB-C connection, allowing them to handle true lossless audio over a wired connection. This development solved one of the major limitations that had prevented wireless Apple headphones from fully supporting lossless music.
With this update, audiophiles who prefer Apple’s premium headphones can finally enjoy the benefits of lossless audio without compromise. It’s a step forward that demonstrates Apple’s commitment to refining the listening experience.
How to Enable Lossless on Apple Music
Activating lossless audio on Apple Music is simple and can be done through the settings on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Music.
- Tap Audio Quality.
- Toggle on Lossless Audio.
On Mac:
- Open the Music app.
- Navigate to Preferences.
- Go to the Playback tab.
- Enable Lossless Audio and select your desired quality level.
Once enabled, users can choose different quality settings for streaming over Wi-Fi, cellular, or downloads.
Device Compatibility
Not all Apple devices support lossless audio equally, so it’s worth clarifying where the feature works best.
- Fully Supported: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and HomePod.
- Partially Supported: AirPods Max with a wired USB-C connection can now deliver true lossless playback.
- Not Supported Over Bluetooth: Standard AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones use the AAC codec, which does not support lossless audio.
This means that for wireless listening, users will not experience full lossless fidelity. For the highest quality, wired connections or streaming through supported speakers and devices are recommended.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Yes, since June 2021 |
| Codec Used | Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) |
| Lossless Quality | 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/48 kHz |
| Hi-Res Lossless Quality | Up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
| Supported Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, wired AirPods Max (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Limitation | AirPods and other wireless headphones cannot stream lossless |
Why This Matters for Listeners
For many subscribers, the addition of lossless audio has transformed Apple Music into a more attractive service. While playlist curation, integrations, and exclusive content have always been strong points, sound quality is a key factor for music lovers.
By offering lossless audio to every subscriber at no extra charge, Apple ensured that users do not have to compromise between affordability and fidelity. This approach has reinforced Apple Music’s position as a serious competitor in the global streaming market.
Final Thoughts
So, does Apple Music have lossless audio? Absolutely. Since its launch in 2021, Apple Music has offered lossless and Hi-Res Lossless formats across its catalog. With updates in 2025 improving compatibility for AirPods Max, the service is more versatile than ever.
For anyone seeking deeper sound, more detail, and an authentic listening experience, Apple Music provides one of the best solutions available today. What are your thoughts on lossless audio? Share your experience below and let us know how it has changed your music listening.
