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Bluetooth SIG Adds High Data Throughput to Bluetooth 7.0

This optional update could enable lossless wireless audio, faster data transfers, lower latency, shorter radio-on time if device makers add new chips.

Overview

  • The Bluetooth Special Interest Group formally adopted Bluetooth High Data Throughput as an optional part of Bluetooth Core 7.0 on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026.
  • HDT raises Bluetooth Low Energy's headline bit rate from about 2–2.5 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps, which lets devices move much more data in the same on-air time.
  • The SIG positions premium wireless audio as the flagship use case, saying HDT can carry lossless, high-resolution, spatial and multi-channel streams without proprietary codecs.
  • Adoption is uncertain because HDT is optional and requires new SoCs and firmware, so manufacturers must decide whether to absorb extra cost and integrate support; Apple has not publicly confirmed support.
  • If vendors adopt HDT, users could see lower audio latency, improved battery life for headphones and wearables, faster firmware updates, and richer XR and personal-AI device experiences with first products likely arriving in 2027.