Apple hi-res audio rumours return for 2016

The latest snippet suggests Apple wants to deliver hi-res audio as part of its Apple Music service, with Japanese website Macotakara saying Apple wants to deliver "streaming up to 96kHz/24bit in 2016".

The story claims audio manufacturers in Japan are "preparing" for an Apple hi-res audio service that would take advantage of Apple's Lightning connection to natively support hi-res on iOS devices.

The same Japanese website has been behind many of the Apple hi-res rumours, such as the report last year that iOS 8 would support hi-res audio. Previously, MacRumours had suggested iTunes was in line for an overhaul that could see high-res audio downloads coming to the iTunes Store. The idea that Apple was investigating 24-bit iTunes downloads began as far back as 2011. Now it seems likely streaming audio would be the focus.

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).