User secures long-awaited enhancement for Apple Music subscription, despite AirPods yet to receive expected upgrade.
Ain't No DJ Like AutoMix:
So, I've been begging for Apple Music to get an auto-DJ feature for ages. I'm talking years here, folks! It was back when DJ apps first showcased this tech, and I got excited about AI making it all seamless.
Apple was diving deep into machine learning, with promises of "[smart]" suggestions on the Lock screen and battery management. So I thought, hey, why not apply this to my playlists and make the crossfade between songs less boring?
Fast forward to now, and Apple's finally delivering on my wishlist. With the introduction of 'AutoMix' in iOS 26, our favorite tech giant is bringing the auto-DJ feature to life, just like I've been daydreaming about. Apple's promised it'll "mix from one song to the next like a DJ, using time stretching and beat matching to seamlessly move from one song to the next."
I've prided myself on creating playlists that flow smoothly, but I'm no DJ. AutoMix aims to take things to the next level—finally getting rid of that pesky splinter in my tech-loving heart.
But here's the catch: AirPods are still stuck with AAC-quality Bluetooth audio, even though it's 2025 and we're living in a Hi-Res Audio world. I've been complaining about this since 2022, and the year's almost over. Oh, the irony!
Tangled in Wires:
Apple Music supports brilliant lossless audio, yet AirPods are limited to essentially minimum sound quality. It's a mystery why AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max support Hi-Res Audio when wired to the Apple Vision Pro or a USB-C cable, but not wirelessly.
Back in 2006, my first Apple product was a MacBook Pro that supported aptX, so I know it's not a pipe dream. Newer codecs like Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec can deliver high-resolution streaming while also cutting energy usage. It's in the Bluetooth 5.2 spec, too, so it's not like Apple's tech isn't prepared for it.
Apple has chosen to ignore it, and I'm at my wit's end. Rumors suggest they experimented with Bluetooth LE Audio back in 2022, but it's been radio silence since then.
Considering the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max's legendary music reproduction skills, perhaps Apple thinks it's unnecessary. But there's an open standard and the tech to run it, so why not let us decide?
Another WWDC event has come and gone without any mention of it, and it looks like we're in for another year without high-res Bluetooth. That's okay; I've got a Fiio BTR17 and Sennheiser HD600 handling my hi-fi needs, and I'm Marvin Gaye-level content. Still, it's not exactly pocket-friendly.
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Enrichment Data:Apple's AirPods don't currently support Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec, despite the technology being available in the Bluetooth 5.2 standard and supported by many Apple devices. There might be several reasons:
- Sound Quality Argument: Apple might believe that AirPods' current audio quality is sufficient, and they may not see a need to enhance it further.
- Focus on User Experience: Apple may prioritize additional features like head gestures, auto-pause functions, and seamless integration with other Apple devices over technical enhancements like Bluetooth LE Audio.
- Lack of Official Explanation: Apple has not revealed an official reason for not supporting Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec. While they have experimented with these technologies, they seem to have chosen not to make them a priority.
- As I immerse myself in the audio world provided by my Sennheiser HD600 headphones, I can't help but wish that my AirPods Pro 2 could offer the same high-resolution experience, considering they support Hi-Res Audio when wired.
- The integration of the auto-DJ feature, AutoMix, in Apple Music with its time stretching and beat matching capabilities, promises to revolutionize my playlist listening experience on my smartphone, adding a touch of professional DJ touch.
- While I'm excited about the potential of Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec to deliver energy-efficient high-resolution streaming, it's disheartening to see my AirPods missing out on this feature, amidst the plethora of other gadgets and smartphones adopting the technology.
