Rumored Apple Hifi turned out to be the "Apple Music Lossless"
6 days ago I've covered some rumors about Airpods Gen3 and a tiny bit of taste about Apple Hifi, which turned out to be the "Apple Music Lossless".
Even though it is not available yet, we have some more refined information how it will be, which devices will support it etc. So let's have a look:
Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC)
According to Apple, ALAC will support from 16-bit/44.1 kHz (CD quality) up to maximum resolution of 24-bit/192 kHz, which is generally defined as "high resolution audio".
High-resolution audio (High-definition audio or HD audio) is a term for audio files with greater than 44.1 kHzsample rate or higher than 16-bit audio bit depth.
So basically, hi-res audio will deliver (under suitable conditions, such as wired headphones etc) a better-than-cd-quality music to your ears.
Availability
There were some early and sad news that Airpods and Airpods Pro will not support lossless audio. Though these rumors have not been revealed yet, we have solid info how to listen to lossless audio on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
You need to have the latest software (iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6, macOS 11.4) on your devices.
A wired connection to headphones, receivers, or powered speakers (or use the built-in speakers).
Lastly, you should have an external digital-to-analog converter(!). So it seems you (at least via current information) should spend around $60 extra to have the lossless delight at maximum.
Apple recently announced the Homepod and Homepod Mini will support ALAC with a software update, but I am spectical that they will support Hi-Res Lossless which is 24-bit/192kHz.
More will be here as we have additional info...