Overview
- Stable Android 17 for Pixel devices includes native support for the LHDC v5 Bluetooth audio codec, a change that shipped without notice in Google's official rollout notes.
- The LHDC v5 option appears only when compatible earbuds are connected and must be enabled in Settings > System > Developer Options > Bluetooth > Bluetooth Audio Codec.
- Many existing earbuds already support LHDC v5 — examples reported include Nothing and OnePlus models — but some require turning on a Hi‑Res Audio toggle inside their companion app.
- LHDC v5 offers an adaptive bitrate roughly between 128 Kbps and 900 Kbps, sampling up to 96 kHz and about 80 ms latency, giving Pixels a high‑quality, low‑latency wireless option alongside LDAC and AAC.
- Real gains depend on the full ecosystem: users need LHDC‑capable earbuds, the codec enabled on the phone, and high‑quality audio sources or streaming services to hear the difference, which may prompt more users to check Developer Options.