Apple Music at 10: Why AirPlay Desperately Needs a Hi-Res Revolution

For a decade, Apple Music has soundtracked my life. Since its June 2015 launch, I’ve relied on its intuitive interface, expertly curated playlists, and seamless iOS integration. With over 100 million songs and 93 million subscribers, it rivals Spotify in catalogue while offering spatial audio and 24-bit hi-res lossless quality at no extra cost—features audiophiles cherish. Yet as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, one glaring limitation holds it back: AirPlay’s inability to stream hi-res audio or offer Connect-style functionality. For Apple Music to truly compete in high-fidelity audio, AirPlay needs a revolutionary upgrade.

The Hi-Res Streaming Gap: AirPlay’s Critical Limitation

Apple Music’s hi-res library uses ALAC lossless format (24-bit/192kHz), but AirPlay 2 downgrades this to 16-bit/44.1kHz AAC—a lossy compression. This means when streaming wirelessly to premium systems from brands like Naim, WiiM, or Bluesound, you’re hearing a fraction of Apple Music’s potential. Unlike Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect—which stream directly from servers to devices in full resolution—AirPlay routes audio through your iPhone or iPad. Interruptions like calls or notifications disrupt playback, and battery drain becomes significant.

Industry experts echo this concern. What Hi-Fi? notes that while Apple Music’s tuning is “clear, dynamic, and emotive,” the absence of true hi-res wireless support feels archaic. Competitors have leveraged this gap: Qobuz Connect’s 2024 rollout allows bit-perfect streaming to compatible devices, while Tidal Connect delivers Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) tracks seamlessly.

The Connect Conundrum: Why AirPlay Feels Outdated

AirPlay’s multi-room capabilities are commendable, but its core architecture lags. With Connect-style systems:

• Music streams directly from cloud servers to your device
• Your phone acts purely as a remote
• Hi-res playback continues uninterrupted

AirPlay, however, treats your phone as a middleman. Close the app, and playback stops. Play a video, and audio stutters. As What Hi-Fi?’s decade-long tester observes: “It’s a smoother experience with Qobuz or Tidal Connect—I can finally use my phone freely.” Eversolo’s workaround—running Apple Music’s Android app on its streamers—proves hi-res is possible but remains an exception.

Will AirPlay 3 Close the Audiophile Gap?

Apple’s silence on AirPlay upgrades frustrates music enthusiasts. While prioritizing ecosystem cohesion is understandable, audiophiles argue Apple Music’s $10.99/month value is undermined without wireless hi-res. Industry analysts suggest two fixes for “AirPlay 3”:

1. Server-direct streaming (like Connect) to free devices from playback duty
2. Native 24-bit/192kHz ALAC support to match Apple Music’s capabilities

Technical hurdles exist—hi-res streaming demands robust Wi-Fi—but brands like Bluesound already achieve this via proprietary protocols. With hi-fi streamers surging in popularity (WiiM’s sales grew 300% in 2023, per Midia Research), Apple risks alienating premium listeners.

Apple Music’s first decade delivered revolutionary access and quality, but its potential remains shackled by AirPlay’s limitations. For Apple to lead the hi-res audio future, an AirPlay overhaul isn’t optional—it’s essential. As rivals innovate, the pressure mounts: Will AirPlay 3 finally unlock wireless lossless? Until then, millions of subscribers await the upgrade that matches their ambition for pristine sound. Demand the change—share this article and tag Apple’s leadership.

Must Know

Q: Does AirPlay support Apple Music’s hi-res lossless audio?
A: No. AirPlay 2 downsamples all audio to 16-bit/44.1kHz AAC, a lossy format. Full 24-bit/192kHz quality requires wired connections or Eversolo streamers running Apple Music’s Android app.

Q: How does Tidal Connect/Qobuz Connect differ from AirPlay?
A: Connect services stream directly from their servers to your device, using your phone only as a remote. AirPlay streams via your phone, interrupting playback for calls or notifications.

Q: Can I get hi-res Apple Music wirelessly?
A: Currently, only through specific hardware like Eversolo streamers or wired setups. Bluetooth (even AAC) and AirPlay cap quality below CD standard.

Q: Why hasn’t Apple upgraded AirPlay for hi-res?
A: Apple prioritizes seamless integration over niche audiophile features. However, with hi-res adoption growing (Jupiter Research forecasts 25% growth by 2026), pressure for change is mounting.

Q: Does AirPlay 2 drain phone battery faster than Connect services?
A: Yes. Since AirPlay uses your phone as the audio source, it consumes significant power versus server-direct streaming.