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To hear Apple Music’s Hi-Res Lossless tracks at their available maximum—up to 24-bit/192 kHz—turn on Lossless Audio, choose Hi-Res Lossless for the relevant connection, and use a wired audio chain. An iPhone or iPad needs an external USB DAC for sample rates above 48 kHz; Bluetooth headphones do not provide conventional lossless playback.
What “Hi-Res Lossless” means
Apple Music uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). ALAC compresses audio without discarding the source data, unlike lossy codecs used by ordinary Bluetooth playback. Apple defines two quality ceilings:
| Setting | Maximum resolution | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless | 24-bit/48 kHz | Up to CD-quality sample rates and higher bit depth |
| Hi-Res Lossless | 24-bit/192 kHz | Tracks encoded above 48 kHz, when available |
Sample rate is the number of audio samples captured per second; bit depth describes the theoretical resolution of each sample. Hi-Res Lossless is a maximum setting, not a promise that every song is 24-bit/192 kHz. Apple says its catalog ranges from 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/192 kHz, and the individual track, connection, operating-system audio path and hardware determine what you actually receive. See Apple’s current explanation at Apple Support.
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Lossless and Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio are separate features. A song can offer one, both or neither, and a Dolby Atmos label does not prove that the stereo signal is hi-res.
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- K5 Pro USB DAC converts USB Type C/Optical/Coaxial signals to 3.5MM AUX and RCA signals with low distortion and great dynamic range. Unique design: 2-in-1 USB Type C interface charging port and audio input means K5 Pro is compatible with your phones(Note: Your audio source must be connected to the USB-A/C port.). RCA output can be connected to an amplifier or powered speakers on your desktop. 3.5 MM AUX and microphone interface can drive 16 Ohm to 300 Ohm headphones
- K5 Pro headphone DAC adopts the Texas Instruments NE5532 op-amp chip. The circuit design implementing this DAC has been optimized for a low-noise floor and clean sound. K5 Pro has noticeably improved on overall sound quality, so you can get immersed in your music even more easily. Volume button and on button are combined into one, long press to switch on
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Equipment you actually need
- An Apple Music subscription and a song carrying Apple’s Lossless badge.
- A wired connection to headphones, earphones, powered speakers, a receiver or another audio system.
- For an iPhone, iPad, most Macs, Windows PCs or Android devices playing above 48 kHz: an external USB DAC that supports the required sample rate.
- Headphones or speakers capable of reproducing the resulting signal.
A DAC converts digital audio to analog. A headphone amplifier supplies the electrical power headphones need; many dongle DACs combine both functions. A DAC marked “32-bit/384 kHz” only states what the device can accept. It does not prove that Apple Music is sending 192 kHz, because the track and operating-system path may be lower or resampled.
When the simple adapter is enough
Efficient in-ear monitors and common portable headphones usually work well from a basic adapter. Apple’s Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter is specified for up to 24-bit/48 kHz lossless. Apple’s USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter is a practical wired option for USB-C devices and ordinary lossless listening; do not treat either adapter as a universal 24-bit/192 kHz solution.
When a larger DAC/amp helps
Consider a more capable USB DAC/amp when you need sample rates above 48 kHz, more output power for high-impedance or insensitive headphones, balanced or line-level outputs, hardware volume control or desktop connectivity. Headphone fit, seal, tuning and the mastering itself can matter more audibly than a change from 48 to 192 kHz, so buying a DAC is not automatically an upgrade in sound quality.
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Turn on Hi-Res Lossless on iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Music.
- Tap Audio Quality and turn on Lossless Audio.
- Set Wi-Fi Streaming, Cellular Streaming and Downloads separately. Choose Hi-Res Lossless where your connection and storage justify it.
For a USB-C iPhone or iPad, connect a USB DAC to the device and plug wired headphones, a receiver or powered speakers into the DAC. On a Lightning iPhone or iPad, Apple’s Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter handles up to 24-bit/48 kHz; above 48 kHz, use a Lightning-to-USB digital connection with a compatible external DAC. A cable must carry USB audio data, not merely charge.
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On the album or Now Playing screen, look for the Lossless badge. Tap the badge where available to inspect the encoded quality. An album marked Lossless is not necessarily 24-bit/192 kHz.
Set up a Mac
- Open the Music app.
- Choose Music > Settings > Playback. Some macOS versions label this Music > Preferences > Playback.
- Enable Lossless audio.
- Choose Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless for the Streaming and Download menus.
Apple says selected 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models support native playback up to 96 kHz. On other Mac computers, Apple requires an external DAC for sample rates above 48 kHz. A wired output is still the appropriate choice when preserving lossless transport matters. The Mac instructions are also documented in Apple’s Music guide.
Windows PC and Android instructions
Windows
- Open Apple Music for Windows.
- Click the Sidebar Actions button and open Settings.
- Choose Playback and turn on Lossless audio.
- Select the desired streaming and download quality.
Use built-in speakers, wired headphones, a receiver or powered speakers. Apple notes that an external DAC may be required above 48 kHz depending on the computer. Windows audio settings can resample audio or prevent exclusive, bit-perfect output, so selecting Hi-Res Lossless alone does not verify the final signal.
Android
- Open Apple Music and tap More.
- Tap Settings > Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless and select streaming and download quality.
Apple requires the latest Apple Music app, a wired connection for lossless and, above 48 kHz, potentially an external DAC. The phone manufacturer determines how USB audio is handled, so Android models can differ.
Rank #3
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- Audiophile-Grade Chipset: Equipped with the AK4493S DAC, XMOS XU208 USB processor, and TPA6120 headphone amps, the K7 supports high-resolution decoding up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD256. With up to 2100mW output power, it easily drives demanding headphones
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Supports USB-C, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth aptX HD/LL and 3.5mm microphone input. Outputs include 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended, and RCA—easily connecting to headphones, powered speakers, or amplifiers for desktop setups
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Apple TV 4K, HomePod, Vision Pro and CarPlay
Apple TV 4K
- Update tvOS.
- Connect Apple TV 4K to an AV receiver over HDMI.
- Open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality and turn on Lossless.
Apple TV 4K currently supports Lossless but not Hi-Res Lossless sample rates above 48 kHz.
HomePod
- Open the Home app on the iPhone or iPad used to set up HomePod.
- Tap Home, then Home Settings.
- Under People, tap your name, choose Apple Music and turn Lossless Audio on or off.
This enables HomePod to play lossless content; it is not a conventional external-DAC, 24-bit/192 kHz output chain.
Apple Vision Pro exception
Apple documents a proprietary wireless lossless mode with Vision Pro for AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case and Powerbeats Pro 2. This specialized pairing does not make ordinary Bluetooth lossless on an iPhone, Mac or Android device.
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CarPlay
Apple specifically supports Lossless through USB CarPlay. Wireless CarPlay implementations should not be assumed to preserve lossless transmission, and cellular streaming consumes substantially more data.
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Which connections are lossless?
| Setup | Lossless? | Hi-Res Lossless? | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard AirPods or Bluetooth headphones | No | No | Apple says Bluetooth connections are not lossless |
| Wired headphones with Apple Lightning adapter | Yes, up to 24-bit/48 kHz | No | Adapter limit |
| USB DAC with wired headphones | Yes | Yes, when the track and DAC path support it | Best general iPhone/iPad route |
| Apple TV 4K over HDMI | Yes | No above 48 kHz | Apple TV limitation |
| Selected AirPods/Beats with Vision Pro | Apple-specific wireless lossless | Specialized case | Not general Bluetooth |
AirPods Max require model-specific care. Apple describes a USB-C digital connection for Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless recordings, while its analog cables involve analog-to-digital conversion and are not completely lossless.
Verify what is playing
- Check for the Lossless badge on the song or album and inspect it from Now Playing.
- Compare the displayed track resolution with your DAC’s indicator, but remember that a receiver may show the post-resampling output rate rather than the file’s encoded rate.
- If a DAC reports 44.1 or 48 kHz, the track may genuinely be that resolution, or the operating system or connection may be limiting it.
- A “Hi-Res Audio” logo on headphones and a DAC’s 384 kHz specification do not prove Apple Music is delivering 24-bit/192 kHz.
Troubleshooting
The Lossless badge is missing
Confirm Lossless Audio is enabled, that the item is from the Apple Music catalog and that it is not broadcast radio, Apple Music 1/Hits/Country live or on-demand radio, or a music video. Availability varies by country or region; update the app and operating system.
AirPods still show AAC
That is expected for standard Bluetooth AirPods and Beats. The source can be lossless while the wireless transport remains lossy.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAn existing download is not lossless
Changing the setting does not upgrade files already stored on your device. Delete the download—checking the confirmation so you do not unintentionally remove the library item—then enable Lossless Audio and redownload it from the Apple Music catalog.
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- [Independent Tone Control] Customize your listening experience with front-panel rotary knobs for bass and treble adjustments. This feature allows you to fine-tune your music, movies, or podcasts to your exact personal preference, providing a smooth and tactile volume control experience right at your fingertips.
- [Robust Driving Power] Compact but powerful, this digital-to-analog converter outputs 160mW RMS at 32 Ohms, effortlessly driving a wide variety of headphones from 16 to 200 Ohms. It supports bit-perfect, high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz via optical or coaxial inputs, revealing hidden details in your audio tracks.
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The DAC is not recognized
Check that the cable supports data, reconnect the DAC directly, unlock the phone and approve any accessory prompt. Lightning devices may need a compatible powered adapter. On Windows or Android, verify USB audio permissions and manufacturer compatibility.
Volume is too low
Sample-rate support does not indicate amplifier power. High-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones may need a stronger DAC/amp; efficient earphones usually do not.
Mobile data or storage is disappearing
Lossless streaming uses more data and lossless downloads use more storage, with higher resolutions consuming more than lower ones. Use Hi-Res Lossless mainly on Wi-Fi, choose ordinary Lossless for cellular use, and download selected albums rather than an entire library.
Should you buy a DAC?
- Use what you own: A receiver or DAC already in your system is sufficient if it accepts the required wired input.
- Choose Apple’s adapter: Best for USB-C iPhone or iPad users with efficient wired headphones who want inexpensive Lossless up to 48 kHz. Apple lists the U.S. USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter at $9 on its store page; regional prices vary.
- Choose a dongle DAC/amp: Products such as the iFi GO link or FiiO KA11 are aimed at wired headphones and higher output capability. Check connector, operating-system support and regional availability.
- Choose a feature-rich portable unit: The Qudelix-5K adds battery operation, EQ, balanced output and USB DAC mode. Its Bluetooth mode still does not preserve Apple Music lossless; use USB DAC mode with wired headphones.
If you listen only through wireless AirPods, no DAC purchase can make the ordinary Bluetooth path lossless. If your current wired setup is loud enough and clean, buying a more expensive DAC solely because Apple Music offers Hi-Res Lossless is unlikely to be necessary.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
