As you may already know, Bluetooth is the leading wireless technology that allows various accessories and devices to connect without cables. To do this, it uses short-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves. As a result, Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) range and uses frequency hopping to avoid static and interference to maintain a seamless connection. Generally, Bluetooth shouldn’t have as much of an impact on a device’s battery health as you might think, but in some cases it can cause constant drain. This is where Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) comes in handy, as it is the energy-saving version of regular Bluetooth.
Bluetooth LE works in short bursts, instead of using a constant, continuous connection like classic Bluetooth (Classic Bluetooth). When the technology was unveiled, only certain devices could use Bluetooth LE effectively, because it mostly stays in sleep mode until it wakes up to transmit data, then goes back into deep sleep once transmission is complete. This allows smaller battery-powered devices, like fitness trackers and smart sensors, to last for weeks or months because Bluetooth LE consumes very little power. While older audio devices relied on classic Bluetooth to overcome Bluetooth LE’s limitations for continuous streaming, modern devices, such as your PC’s Bluetooth, using Bluetooth LE Audio can now efficiently transmit continuous audio without sacrificing battery life.
Bluetooth LE Audio and the upcoming changes
Generally speaking, classic Bluetooth handled audio until 2020, when the Bluetooth SIG announced LE Audio and introduced the LC3 codec and Auracast streaming concepts. In 2022, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) finalized the full specifications of LE Audio, which were later adopted in the Android 13 to 16 ecosystems. At the time, only certain devices supported Bluetooth LE Audio, such as the Google Pixel 7 and 8, some Samsung Galaxy devices like the Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, and Galaxy S23, and some earbuds like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Earfun Air Pro 3.
In 2027, bigger changes to Bluetooth are coming, which will raise the speed ceiling for high-resolution audio. Thanks to Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT), the maximum speed of Bluetooth LE will increase from the current limit of 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps. Additionally, the upcoming Bluetooth changes will also address frequency congestion and increase streaming with Auracast in public places like concerts. Additionally, wireless hearing aids and headphones can pair directly to public Auracast audio streams without relying on an app or other device to route them.
If you want to be sure, you can also check if your computer or mobile phone supports Bluetooth LE Audio. In Windows 11, you can do this through “Settings”, then navigate to “Bluetooth & Devices” > “Devices”, then scroll down to the “Device Settings” heading. From there, look for the “Use LE Audio when available” toggle; if it is there, your Windows 11 system supports it. Most newer phones should support Bluetooth LE or Audio, but you can check by checking your device’s specifications via the AIDA64 app for Android or iOS or in your Bluetooth settings (developer options).
