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As a researcher, I often think about the technologies we rely on daily, and Bluetooth is definitely one of those. It’s amazing when you consider it provides wireless connections for billions of devices worldwide – we practically take it for granted! So, when a new Bluetooth standard is announced, it’s a pretty big deal because it impacts so much of the tech we use.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which develops and manages Bluetooth standards, released Bluetooth 6.0 in September 2024. While it hasn’t become widely available yet in 2025, experts predict that will change in 2026.
As an analyst, I’ve been following the evolution of Bluetooth, and the latest version, 6.0, is a significant step forward. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel – it builds upon the strong foundation of Bluetooth 5.0 and its subsequent improvements. What’s really exciting are the new additions, including features like Bluetooth Channel Sounding, which improves connection reliability, Decision-Based Advertising Filtering for smarter data handling, and Monitoring Advertisers, which enhances network efficiency. These all contribute to a more robust and efficient wireless experience.
Let’s explore the benefits of Bluetooth 6 and why you should consider it when buying new wireless devices.
Bluetooth Channel Sounding improves device positioning and tracking
Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a recent addition with Bluetooth 6.0. It expands upon Bluetooth’s existing positioning capabilities, which have been available since 2010.
As a tech fan, I’m really excited about this new Bluetooth update! The Bluetooth SIG explained it lets devices measure distance with centimeter-level accuracy – that’s incredible! Before, Bluetooth was pretty rough, only getting within about half a meter. This feels like a huge leap forward in precision.
This new technology works by using two methods, Phase-Based Ranging and Round-Trip Timing, to accurately measure distances, whether they’re close or far away. Essentially, these techniques work together to pinpoint locations with great precision.
Bluetooth’s new technology accurately measures distances, making it great for locating lost devices – like those used in “Find My” apps – on a map. It’s also useful for things like digital keys, tracking valuable items, and improving the positioning of wireless devices. Because it’s so precise, it also enhances security and makes it harder for hackers to interfere.
This technology can be really useful in everyday situations. For example, imagine you want your wireless headphones or other Bluetooth devices to automatically connect when you’re near your computer, or disconnect when you move away. Channel Sounding simplifies this process, making it happen seamlessly.
Scanning, pairing, and switching have leveled up
Bluetooth 6.0 introduces two main improvements that make it easier to find, connect to, and switch between devices.
As an analyst, I’ve been following the developments in Bluetooth Low Energy, and a key area of focus right now is improving how we discover and connect with devices. Previously, Bluetooth LE used a filtering system for advertising packets – those little signals devices send out to identify themselves – to make things more efficient. This allowed devices to quickly identify potential connections without the overhead of a full connection process.
Previously, a certain process caused the host device to lose track of whether a broadcasting device was still nearby, leading to unnecessary power consumption from repeated scanning. Bluetooth 6.0 addresses this with a new Host Controller Interface (HCI) that reduces scanning frequency, saving battery life and improving the experience when connecting to different devices.
A new technology called Decision-Based Advertising Filtering, or DBAF, aims to make connecting devices faster and more efficient.
ISOAL enhancements improve reliability and reduce latency
Bluetooth’s Isochronous Adaptation Layer, or ISOAL, increases the amount of data sent with each transmission, leading to faster speeds.
Increasing the amount of data sent at once often causes delays. When watching a video, this can make it seem like the sound and the actors’ mouths aren’t in sync.
Bluetooth 6.0’s new ISOAL features are designed to reduce delays without slowing down data transfer speeds. These improvements will also make it easier for smaller devices to communicate with larger ones, and will streamline updates for wireless gadgets.
A new LC3plus codec aims to improve audio quality
LC3plus is a new audio technology launching with Bluetooth 6.0. It improves upon the existing LC3 codec, which has been used in Bluetooth devices since 2020, by adding support for high-quality 32-bit audio at 96kHz and incredibly low latency – as little as 7 milliseconds.
The LC3plus codec has received high-resolution certification from the Japan Audio Society, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to stream music without losing quality.
LC3plus needs a license to be used, so it’s unlikely to be automatically available on every pair of headphones.
Bluetooth 6.0: The bottom line
Bluetooth 6.0 is just beginning to appear in devices, and currently can be found in newer phones such as the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10. It’s expected to become more widespread over the next few years.
We anticipate that many 2026 laptops will feature Bluetooth 6.0 as manufacturers unveil their new designs. Watch for details at CES 2026 to learn more.
Bluetooth 6.0: FAQ
When does Bluetooth 6.0 launch?
As a tech fan, I’m excited to share that Bluetooth 6.0 is actually out! Right now, it’s only in a handful of wireless gadgets – things like some phones, earbuds, and headphones. But the good news is, we should start seeing it pop up in a lot more new devices around 2026.
Can older devices with a previous Bluetooth version use 6.0?
Bluetooth devices are designed to work with older versions, even as new ones come out. However, they’ll only use the features that *both* devices have in common.
What is Bluetooth LE?
As an analyst, I’ve been following the evolution of Bluetooth, and the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy – often called BLE – with version 4.0 was a game-changer. It offered significantly improved power efficiency, making it perfect for devices that run on batteries. What’s interesting is that BLE doesn’t replace classic Bluetooth; the two technologies actually work together, and you can even find both in a single device.
When was Bluetooth 5.0 released?
Bluetooth 5.0 came out in June 2016 and was the main standard for several years, until the recent release of Bluetooth 6.0.
Bluetooth 5.0’s most recent update was in 2023 with the 5.4 standard.
How long will Bluetooth 6.0 be the latest standard?
Since Bluetooth 6.0 is just starting to appear in devices, and Bluetooth 5.0 was popular for a long time, it’s likely that 6.0 will be the main standard for quite a while.
Announced in November 2025, Bluetooth 6.2 is already the second update to the core 6.0 standard.
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2025-12-16 15:11