Rumor: Apple Prepping HD Audio Playback for iOS 8 – Also Will Debut New In-Ear Headphones, Lightning Cable

A report from Mac Otakara (Google Translate) alleges that Apple will be introducing high definition audio playback with the debut of iOS 8. The report says Apple will also release new versions of its in-ear headphones and Lightning cable that can handle the playback of the high-definition files.

MacRumors says the report notes that Apple will enable high-quality audio files to be played on iOS 8 compatible devices. 

A report from last month claimed Apple will announce high-quality iTunes music downloads at their Worldwide Developers Conference 2014 in June.

Apple’s current stock music app cannot play high quality 24-bit audio files that contain a sampling frequency beyond 48 kHz.

Apple is also said to be developing a new Lightning cable to handle high-definition playback on Made for iPhone (MFi) audio accessories.

The report also notes that a new version of Apple’s In-Ear Headphones are in the works that will also allow high-definition playback. Apple’s current $79 in-ear headphones have not been updated since 2008.

WWDC 2014 is expected to see the debut of iOS 8. The new mobile operating system is expected to include improvements to Siri, the Maps app, and a much-rumored health and fitness “Healthbook” app. OS X 10.10 is also expected to premiere at the conference.

Chris Hauk

Chris is a Senior Editor at Mactrast. He lives somewhere in the deep Southern part of America, and yes, he has to pump in both sunshine and the Internet.