Apple Music, Apple's music service, makes it easy to enjoy high-quality, lossless, and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos at no extra cost. With any Apple Music subscription, whether Individual, Family, or the discounted Student plan, you can stream ad-free, listen offline, and access millions of tracks in high fidelity. But it is not just about knowing these options. You also need a few steps to adjust your audio settings and find lossless tracks on supported devices, whether it is an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android device, or high-end equipment like FiiO.
With so many options and some specific requirements, it is easy to get confused. This guide will explain Apple Music's audio formats, show how to optimize settings on different devices, and share tips to get the best listening experience wherever you are.
Part 1. What Are Apple Music Audio Formats and Quality Levels?
Apple Music offers different audio formats at no extra cost. From standard AAC to lossless and hi-res audio, and even immersive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, the differences become clear when you listen closely.
Standard Audio (AAC 256 kbps)
This is the default format for most Apple Music streaming. It compresses audio to save bandwidth while keeping songs clear and balanced. On everyday devices like phones, tablets, and basic speakers, it sounds good and works reliably. At first, like many people, I listened at 256 kbps, which is fine for everyday use, such as streaming through AirPods. Compared to lossless or hi-res formats, some subtle details in vocals and instruments may be less crisp. Standard audio is ideal for mobile streaming or saving storage and data.
Lossless Audio (ALAC)
Lossless audio uses the Apple Lossless Audio Codec to preserve all original data. The result is richer sound, with better separation between instruments and more depth. Over 75 million songs are available in lossless quality, from CD quality at 16-bit/44.1 kHz up to 24-bit/48 kHz. Using high-quality headphones, external speakers, or a DAC can reveal the full detail, while built-in phone or laptop speakers may show only part of the difference.
Hi-Res Lossless (Up to 24-bit/192 kHz)
Hi-Res Lossless increases the sample rate and bit depth for even more natural sound. Vocals, instruments, and background details become clearer. To fully enjoy hi-res audio, you often need an external DAC, though wired headphones with a stable connection can also work. Standard Apple devices can play these files, but Bluetooth or basic speakers will not deliver the full effect.
Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
Spatial Audio creates a three-dimensional listening experience. Instruments and vocals feel like they come from all around rather than just left and right. Compatible devices like AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or certain high-end speakers are needed for the full effect. Many popular albums are available in this format, though tracks without Atmos still play in stereo. Spatial Audio is most noticeable on supported headphones or systems, giving songs a cinematic depth that standard formats cannot match.
Part 2. How to Check and Adjust Apple Music Audio Settings
Checking and adjusting your audio settings can help you get the best sound. Matching the settings to your device and preferences can bring out details in songs that might otherwise go unnoticed.
iPhone / iPad
Step 1 Open the Settings app, then scroll down and tap Music.
Step 2 Tap Audio Quality under Playback to see your options.
Step 3 Toggle Lossless Audio on to turn on high-quality playback.
Step 4 Tap the quality you want: Lossless (up to 24-bit/48kHz) for standard high-quality listening, or Hi-Res Lossless (up to 24-bit/192kHz) for the most detail. Hi-Res works best with compatible headphones or an external DAC.
Step 5 Open the Apple Music app and play a song to check the audio.
Android
Step 1 Open the Apple Music app and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
Step 2 Select Settings, then tap Audio Quality under Playback.
Step 3 Toggle Lossless Audio on if it is off.
Step 4 Tap High Quality, Lossless, or Hi-Res Lossless depending on your preference and connection. Hi-Res works best with strong Wi-Fi or supported devices.
Step 5 Play a song to make sure your chosen quality is applied.
Mac / Windows
Step 1 Open the Music app on Mac or iTunes on Windows.
Step 2 On Mac, click Music > Preferences > Playback. On Windows, go to Edit > Preferences > Playback.
Step 3 Check Lossless Audio to enable it.
Step 4 Select the quality you want: Lossless for standard high fidelity, or Hi-Res Lossless for the best detail. Hi-Res requires a USB connection or external DAC to work fully.
Step 5 Close the Preferences window and play a song to confirm the audio quality.
Part 3: How to Improve or Maximize Apple Music Audio Quality
Small tweaks or changes in how you listen can further enhance the sound and highlight layers you may have missed before.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then scroll down and tap Music. This is where all Apple Music audio options live, so it's the first place you want to check. Make sure you have the latest iOS version, because Apple sometimes adds new audio features with updates.
Tap Audio Quality, then turn on Lossless Audio. If you're curious about the absolute best sound, you can also enable Hi-Res Lossless, but keep in mind you'll need wired headphones or an external DAC to actually hear the difference. Using Bluetooth here will limit you to standard lossless at best.
Next, check Cellular Streaming and Wi-Fi Streaming settings. Make sure they are set to Lossless or High Quality. This prevents Apple Music from compressing songs when you're on the go, which can noticeably improve clarity and detail.
Plug in your best headphones or connect to your favorite speakers. The difference between cheap earbuds and quality headphones is huge, even with lossless enabled. For Hi-Res Lossless, you'll need a wired connection or a DAC compatible with your iPhone.
Decide if you want to use Sound Check. This option normalizes volume across songs. It doesn't make the sound better, but it keeps quiet and loud tracks balanced. You can toggle it on or off in Settings → Music → Sound Check.
Consider turning off the EQ if you don't actively use it. Some EQ presets can make music sound worse, especially if they boost bass too much or cut highs. Go to Settings → Music → EQ → Off to hear the most natural sound.
If you must use Bluetooth, make sure your headphones support AAC or aptX, because these codecs preserve more detail than standard Bluetooth. AirPods or AirPods Pro work well with Apple Music in the Apple ecosystem, but wired will always be better for Hi-Res audio.
Part 4. How to Download and Keep Apple Music with Lossless Audio
Once you enable Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless downloads, your tracks stay offline only while your Apple Music subscription is active.
Option 1: Download Apple Music with Lossless Audio Within the App
The easiest way to listen to Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless audio offline is to download songs directly in the Apple Music app. This works for both subscribers and trial users. All downloaded tracks stay offline on your device, and you can choose the audio quality in settings. Remember, downloads are tied to your subscription, so if your Apple Music subscription ends, you lose access to these tracks.
Step 1 Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Step 2 Navigate to the playlist, album, or song you want to download.
Step 3 Tap the three-dot menu next to the track or album and select Download.
Step 4 Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi (or mobile data if allowed) and wait for the download to complete.
Step 5 Go to Library > Downloads to play your songs offline in Lossless audio quality.
Option 2: Use ViWizard Apple Music Converter to Keep Lossless Audio
If you want to own your music permanently and maintain Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless quality, ViWizard Apple Music Converter is a solid choice. It removes DRM from Apple Music tracks and converts them to standard audio formats such as MP3, M4A, FLAC, WAV, or AIFF. You can play the converted tracks anywhere without relying on a subscription.
Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter
Free Trial Free Trial* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Convert Apple Music songs, albums, playlists, and artists into MP3 for easy access
- Preserve lossless audio, high-resolution lossless, and Dolby Atmos quality
- Strip DRM from Apple Music for unrestricted offline listening
- Save converted audio files while retaining full ID3 tag details
Step 1 Download and install ViWizard Apple Music Converter on your computer, making sure it's the latest version.
Step 2 Open the software and sign in with the Apple ID linked to your Apple Music account.
Step 3 Browse your Apple Music library inside ViWizard and select the playlists, albums, or songs you want to save. Check storage space before starting.
Step 4 Open Preferences and choose your desired output format while keeping Lossless audio enabled.
Step 5 Click Convert and wait for the software to finish processing your tracks. After conversion, you can transfer the files to any device, media player, or USB drive for permanent offline use.
Part 5. How Apple Music Sound Compares to Alternatives
If you listen side by side with services like Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, or YouTube Music, you may start to hear small differences in clarity, depth, and balance. These changes are not always obvious, but they can become more noticeable when you take the time to listen closely or use better headphones or speakers.
| Service | Audio Quality | Max Quality | How It Sounds | Best For | Main Trade-Off |
| Apple Music | Lossless, hi-res, Dolby Atmos | 24-bit/192 kHz | Clearer and more detailed, especially with wired headphones | Sound quality and Apple ecosystem users | No Spotify-style device control |
| Spotify | Lossy, lossless rolling out | 320 kbps, FLAC (limited) | Sounds fine for daily use, differences small on Bluetooth | Playlists, discovery, device control | Lossless not fully available |
| Amazon Music | Lossless and hi-res | 24-bit/192 kHz | Very similar to Apple Music for most listeners | Value and Prime members | App feels less polished |
| Tidal | Hi-res FLAC | 24-bit/192 kHz | Can sound great on high-end gear | Audiophiles | App and search issues |
| YouTube Music | Lossy only | ~256 kbps | OK for casual listening | Variety and rare content | No lossless audio |
For many listeners, Apple Music offers a solid balance between sound quality and reliability. Spotify continues to stand out for its features, music discovery, and social listening. Amazon Music is a good option if you want lossless audio at a reasonable value, especially if you already use Prime. Tidal mainly appeals to listeners who focus on high-end audio, while YouTube Music puts convenience and a large catalog ahead of sound quality. For casual listening, the differences may feel minor, but with higher-quality equipment, Apple Music's strengths are easier to hear.
Part 6. Best Devices for Apple Music Hi-Res Lossless and Dolby Atmos
The devices that deliver the best experience for hi-res lossless and Dolby Atmos depend on how music is listened to. Dolby Atmos works well on most modern Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV, offering immersive sound with minimal setup. Hi-res lossless requires an external DAC to reach full 24-bit/192 kHz playback, because most Apple devices handle only up to 24-bit/48 kHz internally.
Apple AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max
Apple's AirPods lineup makes Dolby Atmos playback seamless on iPhone and iPad. All recent models, including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, automatically enable Spatial Audio, creating a rich, immersive experience. Hi-res lossless cannot be played over Bluetooth, but the combination of wireless convenience, automatic device switching, and reliable sound quality makes them ideal for enjoying Atmos and everyday listening.
Beats Headphones with W1, H1, or H2 Chips
Beats headphones equipped with W1, H1, or H2 chips deliver solid Dolby Atmos support on Apple devices. They provide wireless convenience and immersive sound, though true hi-res lossless is not possible. Their seamless integration with iPhones and iPads makes them a practical alternative to AirPods for on-ear and over-ear designs.
Wired Headphones with External DACs
For full hi-res lossless playback, wired headphones with an external DAC are essential. Popular setups include Fiio Q3 DACs paired with Sennheiser, Grado, or Audio-Technica headphones. These systems deliver the complete 24-bit/192 kHz fidelity of Apple Music, offering clarity and depth that Bluetooth cannot match. Dolby Atmos may not always pass through the DAC, so some setups default to stereo or standard lossless.
Beats USB-C and AirPods Max USB-C
Some Beats headphones with USB-C and the AirPods Max with USB-C combine wired fidelity with wireless convenience. They support lossless audio over cable while maintaining Spatial Audio wirelessly. These hybrid setups allow flexibility, though there may be a choice between maximum fidelity and immersive Atmos depending on the connection used.
Loewe Leo Headphones
Premium options like the Loewe Leo integrate built-in DACs, high-resolution streaming, and Dolby Atmos over Bluetooth LE Audio. They offer higher fidelity compared with standard Bluetooth while supporting immersive audio. While niche and expensive, these headphones are suited for those seeking a single device capable of high-quality lossless playback with Atmos.
Apple HomePod Range
HomePods deliver room-filling sound with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio in stereo or surround setups. They provide immersive audio without extra equipment, though hi-res lossless requires a DAC or compatible receiver since direct streaming limits sample rates. The setup is simple, and the sound is rich, but combining full hi-res lossless with Atmos can be complex.
Home Theater Receivers and Dolby Atmos Soundbars
Receivers and Atmos soundbars paired with Apple TV 4K play Dolby Atmos tracks from Apple Music. True hi-res lossless playback requires a high-resolution DAC. Achieving both formats simultaneously demands careful setup, making these systems most suitable for home theater setups seeking maximum detail and immersion.
| Model | Hi-Res Lossless | Dolby Atmos | Connection | Best For |
| Apple AirPods / AirPods Pro / AirPods Max | No | Yes | Bluetooth | Wireless Spatial Audio on Apple devices |
| Beats Headphones (W1 / H1 / H2) | No | Yes | Bluetooth | On-ear or over-ear Spatial Audio |
| Wired Headphones + DAC (Fiio Q3, Sennheiser, Grado, Audio-Technica) | Yes | Partial | Wired | Maximum hi-res fidelity |
| Beats USB-C | Yes (wired) | Yes | Wired + Bluetooth | Hybrid hi-res and Atmos |
| AirPods Max USB-C | Yes (wired, up to 24-bit / 48 kHz) | Yes | Wired + Bluetooth | Flexible hybrid listening |
| Loewe Leo Headphones | Yes | Yes | Wired + Bluetooth | Premium hybrid with Atmos |
| Apple HomePod / HomePod mini | Limited (DAC needed) | Yes | Wi-Fi / AirPlay | Room-filling Spatial Audio |
| Home Theater Receivers / Dolby Atmos Soundbars + Apple TV 4K | Yes (with DAC) | Yes | Wired / HDMI | Home theater hi-res and Atmos |
Part 7. Best Companion Settings for Apple Music Quality
Once you start using Apple Music regularly, a few simple settings can noticeably improve how music sounds on your headphones or speakers. Sound Check and the Equalizer do not change the audio source, but they help shape how tracks play back in everyday listening.
Sound Check
Sound Check is mainly about volume control. It evens out playback so one song does not sound much louder than the next, which is helpful when switching between playlists or genres. This makes listening more comfortable over time, though it can slightly soften the loud and quiet moments in some tracks. If you prefer steady volume without constant adjustment, Sound Check is usually a good choice.
iPhone / iPad
Step 1 Open the Settings app, then scroll down and tap Music.
Step 2 Under Playback, toggle Sound Check on to level the volume of all songs.
Step 3 Open the Apple Music app and play a song to check that the volume is even.
Android
Step 1 Open the Apple Music app and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
Step 2 Go to Settings > Playback, then toggle Sound Check on to balance song volumes.
Step 3 Play a track to make sure the volume is consistent.
Mac / Windows
Step 1 Open the Music app on Mac or iTunes on Windows.
Step 2 On Mac, click Music > Preferences > Playback. On Windows, go to Edit > Preferences > Playback.
Step 3 Check Sound Check to normalize volume across all songs.
Step 4 Play a song to verify that the volume is consistent with other tracks.
Equalizer
The Equalizer focuses on tone. Bass adds weight and punch but can become muddy if pushed too far. Mids are important for vocals and instruments, and small changes here can improve clarity. Treble adds brightness and detail, but too much can sound sharp or tiring. Gentle adjustments tend to work best, keeping the music natural and balanced.
iPhone / iPad
Step 1 Open the Settings app, then scroll down and tap Music.
Step 2 Under Playback, tap EQ to see the available presets.
Step 3 Scroll through the list and tap the preset you want, such as Bass Boost, Treble Boost, or Spoken Word.
Step 4 Open the Apple Music app and play a song to hear how the EQ changes the sound.
Android
Step 1 Open the Apple Music app and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
Step 2 Go to Settings > Playback > EQ to see the presets.
Step 3 Scroll through and select the one that fits your listening style.
Step 4 Play a song to check that the preset is applied.
Mac / Windows
Step 1 Open the Music app on Mac or iTunes on Windows.
Step 2 On Mac, click Music > Preferences > Playback > EQ. On Windows, go to Edit > Preferences > Playback > EQ.
Step 3 Scroll through the presets and select the one you want.
Step 4 Play a song to confirm how the EQ affects the sound.
Part 8. FAQs
What does "Lossless" actually mean on Apple Music?
"Lossless" means Apple Music uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec or ALAC so the audio keeps all the details from the original studio recording. Most songs are available in CD quality and some in high-resolution quality.
Can I hear lossless audio over Bluetooth headphones?
No. Bluetooth headphones including AirPods and Beats use a compressed connection that cannot play true lossless audio. The sound is still very good but not exactly the same as the original file.
If a track shows "Lossless" on the player, am I actually hearing lossless?
Not always. The icon shows the file can be lossless, but what you hear depends on your device and settings. Over Bluetooth or speakers that do not support high-resolution audio, it may play in lower quality.
Does Apple Music play downloaded songs in lossless if I'm online?
No. Apple Music will play the downloaded version on your device first. Even if you are connected to Wi-Fi, you will hear the quality of the downloaded file unless you specifically downloaded the lossless version.
Why doesn't lossless matter much with regular headphones?
Most regular headphones especially wireless ones cannot show the extra details that lossless audio provides. Many people hear very little difference between high-quality AAC and standard lossless audio without high-end wired headphones.
Can Apple Music lower audio quality to avoid buffering?
Yes. If the quality setting is "Automatic" or your internet is slow, Apple Music may switch to lower quality to keep playback smooth. You can choose a fixed lossless or high-resolution setting to avoid this.
Do I need special equipment to get the best Apple Music audio quality?
For CD quality lossless, a normal wired connection or supported speakers is enough. For Hi-Res Lossless above 48 kHz, you usually need an external DAC or a system that can play high-resolution audio.
Will all songs be available in Hi-Res Lossless?
No. Apple is adding more lossless tracks, but not every song is available in the highest resolution. Some may only be standard lossless or Dolby Atmos.
Does lossless streaming use more data?
Yes. Lossless and especially Hi-Res Lossless use much more data and storage than standard streaming. That is why Apple has separate settings for cellular, Wi-Fi, and downloads.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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