Glossary

Bluetooth LE Audio

A new generation of Bluetooth audio built on Bluetooth Low Energy. Introduces the LC3 codec, broadcast audio (Auracast), and better hearing-aid support.

Bluetooth LE Audio is a major refactor of how Bluetooth carries audio. It runs on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) instead of Classic Bluetooth, with three headline features:

LC3 codec — better quality at lower bitrates than SBC.
Auracast broadcast — one source can broadcast audio to unlimited receivers. Imagine a museum where every visitor's earbuds hear the exhibit audio.
Hearing aid support — direct streaming to hearing aids without proprietary protocols.

Adoption

LE Audio is the standard on 2026 flagship phones and most newly-launched premium headphones. Older devices keep using Classic Bluetooth even when paired with LE-Audio-capable headphones — the standard needs both sides to support it.

Where this matters

Categories that use bluetooth le audio

Headphones Wireless Earbuds

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