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ZDNET's key takeaways
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) released Bluetooth 6.0 in Sept. 2024.
Its notable features pave the way for universal device tracking, lower latency, and more efficient wireless connections.
Although newly released smartphones have adopted the new wireless standard, headphones and earbuds have not yet caught up.
Bluetooth and headphones go together like peanut butter and jelly; it's the technology that allows you to go wireless, but wireless listening isn't its only characteristic. Bluetooth versions are responsible for audio compression and transmission, as well as latency and connection stability. As the technology advances, you can look forward to getting more out of your headphones and earbuds.
Also: Why I keep these 4 pairs of headphones with me at all times
Despite the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) releasing the Bluetooth 6.2 core specification in Nov., you'll find that many headphones released as recently as this year still feature Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4. Not every specification brings mind-blowing features, but there are connectivity, latency, and performance improvements to look forward to within the 6.0+ specifications.
This year, several smartphones but fewer headphones debuted with Bluetooth 6. As you expect to see more Bluetooth 6 products in 2026, here are its most notable features and what they mean for you.
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