Bluetooth High Data Throughput getting a boost could raise transfer speeds to 7.5 Mbps

Audio among early uses

Wireless audio is expected to be the main application for HDT, with the first devices supporting it expected sometime in 2027. The added capacity could enable higher-resolution audio streaming. It may also support spatial audio and multi-channel surround sound over wireless connections, without requiring proprietary wireless formats.

Benefits beyond headphones

Smartwatches could send more training, health and fitness data to phones without reducing battery life. Because HDT can transfer data in less time, Bluetooth radios may need to remain active for shorter periods.

Spatial computing and extended reality devices could deliver more robust experiences without a Wi-Fi connection. Personal AI devices could also pass data to smartphones more efficiently, potentially allowing them to be lighter and smaller.

Updates and broader ambitions

Faster transfers could make firmware updates for smartwatches and smart home accessories feel quicker, making them less likely to be postponed until a device is not in use. Bluetooth SIG CEO Neville Meijers said HDT expands Bluetooth’s role across consumer, commercial and industrial markets and provides a foundation for future wireless innovation.