Android 17 Adds LHDC v5 Support for Improved Bluetooth Audio Quality
Google has reportedly introduced support for the LHDC v5 Bluetooth audio codec in the stable release of Android 17. Although the feature was not highlighted in the official release notes, it has been discovered by users after the update rolled out to Pixel devices.
LHDC v5 (Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec) is designed to improve wireless audio quality on supported devices, including earbuds, headphones, and Bluetooth speakers. It is capable of transmitting high-resolution audio, with support for up to 24-bit/192kHz playback on compatible hardware.
Improved Audio Performance
The LHDC v5 codec focuses on delivering higher-quality sound while maintaining low latency. It supports adaptive bitrate transmission and can help reduce audio delay to improve the experience during music playback, gaming, and video streaming.
The codec also supports higher sampling rates, which may result in clearer and more detailed sound when used with compatible devices and high-quality audio sources.
Availability on Android 17
Reports suggest that Pixel users who have installed the stable Android 17 update can access LHDC v5 through Developer Options. The feature is not enabled by default and may require manual activation.
To access it, users need to enable Developer Options by tapping the Build Number in the “About Phone” section multiple times. Once enabled, the Bluetooth audio codec settings can be adjusted from the Developer Options menu.
However, the feature will only function when paired with headphones or earbuds that support LHDC v5.
