Not too many days ago Apple has introduced the new audio qualities in Apple Music. On the one hand we have the spatial audio and on the other, the lossless or Lossless audio. Some features that allow it to compete with services of the style such as Tidal. But it is also that Apple has implemented it without raising the price of subscriptions so it is a good advance. Now it is known that The HomePods will have that functionality with new software.
Through a software update, The HomePods, regardless of the model, will have the ability to play Apple Music with lossless or Lossless audio. A new functionality presented recently, unfortunately and as we already know, it is not compatible with Airpods models. Not even with the AirPods Max with which a cable would be needed to take advantage of that functionality.
The Lightning to 3,5mm audio cable was designed to allow AirPods Max to connect to analog sources for listening to movies and music. AirPods Max can be connected to devices that play high-resolution lossless and lossless recordings with exceptional audio quality. However, given the analog-to-digital conversion on the cable, playback it will not be completely lossless.
However, the HomePods can take advantage of that new audio experience. Although at first, the HomePod and HomePod mini were not compatible with Apple Music Lossless, but would have support for Dolby Atmos or spatial audio. That is, being able to create an immersive three-dimensional experience that simulates music in the whole context of the listener. Apple Music Lossless provides listeners with higher quality audio.
In June, Apple will offer Apple Music subscribers a "Standard" level of Apple Music Lossless with audio up to 48kHz, and "Hi-Res Lossless" with audio between 48kHz and 192kHz. Hi-Res Lossless requires external equipment such as a USB digital-to-analog converter.
