The new Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT) feature introduces a maximum bandwidth of 7.5 Mbps. This capacity is designed to support data-intensive applications, including smartwatches, AI devices, and extended reality hardware, while finally enabling true lossless audio transmission over wireless connections.
The standard for CD-quality lossless audio requires between 0.8 Mbps and 1.4 Mbps. Higher resolution formats like 24-bit 48 kHz demand 2.3 Mbps, and 24-bit 96 kHz requires 4.6 Mbps. These formats fall well within the new 7.5 Mbps limit, though 24-bit 192 kHz remains unsupported at its 9.2 Mbps requirement.
Beyond bandwidth, the HDT specification aims to improve communication reliability and reduce power consumption. Bluetooth documentation notes that while HDT is part of the Bluetooth Core Specification 7.0, the implementation of specific tiers like HDT6 and HDT7.5 remains optional for manufacturers.
Device compliance with the core specification does not guarantee the presence of the HDT feature or the maximum 7.5 Mbps throughput. Furthermore, the final audio quality will depend on individual device tuning, even if the hardware supports the highest HDT7.5 standard.
