Overview
- Android 17, which Google released on June 16, quietly includes native support for the Low Latency High‑Definition Audio Codec (LHDC) v5 on Pixel devices.
- Compatible earbuds from makers such as Nothing and OnePlus can use LHDC v5 to receive higher‑bitrate, lower‑latency Bluetooth audio than AAC or SBC.
- Users must enable LHDC v5 manually by opening Settings > System > Developer Options > Bluetooth Audio Codec and may also need to turn on a Hi‑Res option inside their earbuds’ companion app.
- To hear a meaningful improvement, listeners also need a high‑quality source stream or file because LHDC only raises Bluetooth bandwidth, not the source recording’s fidelity.
- Savitech had signaled Android 17 support beforehand, and the quiet rollout expands Pixel audio choices alongside features like Auracast, giving owners of premium earbuds a clear path to better wireless sound.