Finally, with the launch of the new iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey updates, users will be able to enjoy the previously announced lossless-quality streaming and spatial audio features. So, you can now either choose to stream in standard lossless/CD-quality audio or high-resolution lossless.
Apple did announce that this update would be arriving “today” during the WWDC keynote; however, as this is more of a server-side update from the Apple side, it might take few hours to appear in the app.
Also, note that with lossless streaming, songs will take up more space on your device when downloaded, whereas burning more data when streamed. However, the standard AAC streaming will remain as the default settings unless you switch your preference to lossless from the iOS settings of Apple Music.
The Cupertino giant also announced that around 20 million songs would be available in lossless quality at launch. In contrast, the entire Apple Music library with over 75 million tracks will be available in lossless format by the end of 2021.
Obviously, to avail of the feature, you would be required an Apple Music subscription, also do note you can access it from any Apple devices, be it your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV 4K, while the support for HomePod Mini is coming with a software update.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos into Spatial audio makes streaming music even more special and there are millions of titles to listen you. Apple says this will help deliver a “true multidimensional sound and clarity.” However, do note there are smaller number of spatial audio tracks than lossless ones, but Apple has promised “thousands” of spatial audio tracks on day one with more to follow.
via TheVerge