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On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality, turn on Lossless Audio, then choose Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless. To actually hear lossless audio, use a wired audio connection or a compatible DAC; ordinary Bluetooth AirPods and most wireless headphones do not transmit Apple Music losslessly. If music was downloaded before you enabled the feature, delete it and download it again.
Apple Music uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), which preserves the original audio data instead of discarding information as lossy compression does. Apple offers Lossless at up to 24-bit/48 kHz and Hi-Res Lossless at up to 24-bit/192 kHz, although the actual result depends on the track, device, operating system, DAC and connection.
Before you start
- You need an Apple Music subscription and a supported, reasonably current app or operating system. Apple says lossless audio is included with Individual, Family and Student plans, though availability can vary by country or region. See Apple’s Apple Music page for current regional plan information.
- Check that the album or song is available in lossless. A Lossless badge appears on eligible album pages and may appear in the Now Playing screen.
- Use a wired path for conventional lossless playback: wired headphones, a wired receiver, powered speakers or a USB audio device.
- Expect higher data use when streaming and more storage use when downloading. Wi-Fi is the safer choice for large downloads or lossless listening on a limited cellular plan.
Lossless supports up to 24-bit/48 kHz. Hi-Res Lossless goes up to 24-bit/192 kHz, but selecting it does not force every song or every device to output at 192 kHz. The recording must be available at that resolution, and the complete wired audio chain must support it.
Lossless Audio is separate from Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. Turning on one feature does not turn on the other.
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iPhone and iPad
Enable Lossless Audio
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Music.
- Tap Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless Audio.
- Set the quality separately for Cellular Streaming, Wi-Fi Streaming and Downloads.
Choose Lossless for up to 24-bit/48 kHz. Choose Hi-Res Lossless only when your wired equipment supports higher sample rates and you accept the additional storage and data use. Apple documents these settings and limits in its lossless audio support guide.
Connect suitable audio equipment
The iPhone and iPad can send lossless audio to built-in speakers, wired headphones, a wired receiver or powered speakers. For sample rates above 48 kHz, an external USB DAC may be required.
Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter supports up to 24-bit/48 kHz. It is suitable for standard Lossless, but it is not a complete 24-bit/192 kHz Hi-Res Lossless solution. A compatible external DAC is needed for higher rates.
Bluetooth headphones can still play the music, but the Bluetooth link generally converts the audio to a lossy Bluetooth format. Enabling Lossless Audio does not change that.
Mac
- Open the Music app.
- Choose Music > Settings. On some macOS versions, this is labelled Music > Preferences.
- Select Playback.
- Enable Lossless audio.
- Choose separate streaming and download qualities.
Macs can use their built-in speakers and wired audio devices for lossless playback. Apple says the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro support native playback up to 96 kHz; other Mac models may need an external DAC above 48 kHz. The exact output still depends on the Mac model, connected device, track and audio configuration. Apple’s Music User Guide describes the Mac controls.
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Do not treat the Hi-Res Lossless selection as proof that the Mac is outputting 192 kHz. The operating system or audio device may use a different rate or resample the signal.
Windows PC
These steps apply to the modern Apple Music app for Windows, not necessarily to every version of legacy iTunes:
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- Click Sidebar Actions at the top of the window.
- Click Settings, then Playback.
- Turn on Lossless audio.
- Select the streaming and download quality you want.
Apple supports playback through built-in speakers, wired headphones, wired receivers and powered speakers. An external DAC may be needed above 48 kHz. Windows audio settings, the DAC and other applications can affect the final output rate, so check the DAC manufacturer’s specifications if you need a particular resolution.
Android
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Tap More.
- Tap Settings, then Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless.
- Choose the quality for streaming and downloads.
Android supports Apple Music Lossless up to Apple’s stated limits of 24-bit/48 kHz, with Hi-Res Lossless available up to 24-bit/192 kHz where the device and audio hardware support it. Apple says an external DAC may be required above 48 kHz and advises checking with the device manufacturer. Android phones differ in USB audio implementation, operating-system behavior and resampling, so bit-perfect or exclusive-mode output should not be assumed.
Apple TV 4K
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps > Music > Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless.
Apple TV 4K currently supports standard Lossless, up to 24-bit/48 kHz, but not Hi-Res Lossless above 48 kHz. Apple’s supported setup uses an HDMI connection to an AV receiver. Connecting Bluetooth headphones does not make the Bluetooth transmission lossless.
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HomePod
Use the iPhone or iPad that configured the HomePod:
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- Tap the Home button, then Home Settings.
- Under People, tap your name.
- Tap Apple Music.
- Turn Lossless Audio on or off.
Apple lists a HomePod or HomePod mini updated to the latest software as the required hardware. The setting for HomePod is separate from the setting on an iPhone, iPad or computer.
Apple Vision Pro
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps > Music.
- Under Audio, tap Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless Audio.
Vision Pro’s built-in speakers support lossless playback. Apple also identifies a specific wireless exception: AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C charging case and Powerbeats Pro 2 can use Apple’s proprietary wireless protocol for Lossless Audio and ultra-low-latency audio when paired with Apple Vision Pro. This is not ordinary Bluetooth lossless audio and should not be generalized to other Apple devices or wireless headphones. See Apple’s Vision Pro guide.
CarPlay
Apple says lossless audio can be used with CarPlay over a USB connection. Wireless CarPlay should not automatically be described as lossless. Streaming lossless music over a vehicle’s cellular connection can also consume substantially more data, so use Wi-Fi downloads when practical.
How to check whether Lossless is working
- Choose an album or song that displays the Lossless badge.
- Connect wired headphones, speakers, a receiver or a suitable DAC.
- Start playback and open the Now Playing screen.
- Look for the Lossless icon or badge.
- On Mac, use the Lossless button in the playback controls where available to inspect or adjust quality settings.
The badge confirms that lossless music is available for the track and, when shown during playback, indicates Apple Music’s lossless playback status. It does not by itself prove that an external DAC is outputting the maximum selected sample rate, nor does it prove bit-perfect output. To verify a particular rate, check the DAC’s own display or control software and confirm that the operating system is not resampling.
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Fixes when lossless is not working
1. Check the track
Not every piece of Apple Music content is offered in lossless. Apple excludes broadcast radio, live radio and on-demand content from Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country, as well as music videos. Try a studio album or another clearly marked release.
2. Confirm the setting on the device that is playing
Enabling Lossless Audio on an iPhone does not automatically prove that Apple TV, HomePod, Mac, Windows or Android is using the same setting. Open the relevant platform’s Audio Quality or Playback menu and check it there.
3. Disconnect Bluetooth
If you are using ordinary AirPods, Beats or another Bluetooth headset, the music can sound normal while the wireless link remains lossy. Test with a direct wired connection instead. USB-C AirPods Max can support lossless through USB-C, according to Apple; their conventional wireless connection remains subject to Bluetooth limitations. See Apple’s AirPods Max announcement.
4. Delete and redownload older music
Downloads made before Lossless Audio was enabled may remain in their earlier format:
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- Delete the downloaded song or album from the device.
- Confirm Lossless Audio and the desired download quality are enabled.
- Download the album or song again.
Lossless downloads take more storage, so redownload only the music you need offline.
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- 【Multiple INPUTS】The stereo speakers home audio is built with RCA which ensure a lossless connection surround sound system for TV; With the addition of stable BT 5.3 technology, you can pair the bookshelf speakers with your smartphone or tablet in just 2 seconds, enabling wireless music playback without dealing with messy wires.3.5mm AUX audio can adapt to any device that has 3.5mm headphone or dual output. Various lined ways allow you to meet your various needs, whether you want to enjoy music, watch movies, or play games, without switching between different speakers.
- 【HIFI BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS】The built-in 24-bit DAC captures digital audio directly via USB, minimizing signal loss during conversion and maximizing sound fidelity for top audio performance.Studio monitor delivers clear and precise sound, ideal for accurate audio monitoring while creating content.
- 【3.5 INCH CARBON FIBER SPEAKER AND 0.75inch SILK DOME TWEETER】The 0.75-inch tweeter and 3.5-inch mid-bass golden acoustic combination, with a suspended sound structure, delivers precise and clean mid-low frequencies, smooth and transparent highs, and more stable details. Paired with an electronic 2-way crossover acoustic combination, it provides a more layered sound performance, offering you an exceptional auditory experience.
- 【PROFESSIONAL TUNING】According to the characteristics of the speaker units, after dozens of professional adjustments in the laboratory, subtle comparisons are made to obtain the flat curve required by the monitor speakers. It faithfully reproduces audio signals with balanced sound across high, mid, and low frequencies, without any modification or enhancement.
- 【BALANCED INPUT】With the 6.35mm TRS balanced input interface, it can be connected to professional equipment such as Mixing Console and Mixers to build a small music production system, such as electric guitar, electric piano and other musical instruments with TRS interface. In addition to the TRS balanced input, it also features two AUX unbalanced inputs and a front-panel headphone output, facilitating simultaneous connection of different audio sources and switching to headphone monitoring.It is very convenient to show your creativity and talent in a small space.
5. Try Standard Lossless first
Set the quality to standard Lossless and test with a wired connection. If that works, switch to Hi-Res Lossless only after confirming that the DAC, cable, adapter and device support the desired rate.
6. Check the DAC and audio path
- Confirm the DAC supports the selected sample rate and bit depth.
- Check whether Windows, macOS or Android is resampling audio.
- Try connecting the DAC directly rather than through a hub or wireless adapter.
- Check the cable, connector and DAC specifications.
7. Update the software
Update the Apple Music app and the device operating system, then reopen Apple Music and test a marked track again. Menu names can change between versions, so an older guide may show a different path.
8. Check data and download restrictions
Cellular-data limits, Low Data Mode, download preferences or insufficient storage can prevent the quality you selected from being streamed or downloaded as expected. Use Wi-Fi and confirm that enough storage is available.
What lossless audio can—and cannot—guarantee
Lossless preserves the source data, but it is not a guaranteed audible upgrade for every listener. The result depends on hearing, headphones or speakers, recording and mastering quality, listening volume, room noise and whether the connection is genuinely capable of lossless playback. Hi-Res Lossless is also not automatically superior simply because its number is higher.
The most reliable practical setup is a lossless-marked track, Lossless Audio enabled on the playback device, and a direct wired connection. Use Hi-Res Lossless only when the entire audio chain supports it; otherwise standard Lossless is the simpler choice.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Apple Support: About lossless audio in Apple Music
- Apple Music User Guide: Play lossless music
- Apple Support: Lossless audio regional guide
- Apple Vision Pro User Guide
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
