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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: I spoke with Bluetooth reps about the future of connected audio, and it's cooler than I expected
Despite the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) releasing the Bluetooth 6.2 core specification in late 2025, many headphones released as recently as this year still feature Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4. Not every specification delivers mind-blowing features, and new features for end users aren't guaranteed by Bluetooth versions alone.
Still, there are connectivity, latency, and performance improvements to look forward to within the 6.0+ specifications. This year, several smartphones are debuting with Bluetooth 6. As you expect to see more Bluetooth 6 products in 2026, here are its most notable features and what they could mean for you.
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