Almost every year, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) introduces updated Bluetooth specs, the wireless connectivity feature that connects smartphones with several smart accessories like smartwatches, earbuds, smart rings, fitness trackers, and much more.
The group has now revealed the specifications for Bluetooth 6.0, a successor to Bluetooth 5.4. With the latest version of Bluetooth, SIG has managed to address some of the long-term concerns of users, and the new version is all about offering upgraded features.
Bluetooth 6.0 is said to bring a new capability dubbed channel sounding, where compatible phones or an accessories can now offer an enhanced low-powered network of wireless devices. Bluetooth 6.0-packed devices can now accurately determine the presence, distance, and direction of another Bluetooth 6.0-powered device, without compromising on security.
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How Can Bluetooth 6.0 Be A Game Changer
The result of this innovation can lead to the creation of new-age tracking devices like the AirTag, allowing phone or accessories makers to easily identify and track a linked device. This could also allow for home automation solutions to the auto garage or door unlock within a range, allowing auto access to restricted areas to authorized personnel, and more.
But fret not, Bluetooth 6.0 won’t be used to deliver ads like other social media apps. In this context, the advertising is meant for how one Bluetooth device identifies and interacts with other Bluetooth devices.
Decision-based advertising makes sure that it can automatically decide to scan the secondary device based on the content received on the primary Bluetooth device, which helps with efficiency and can reduce power consumption. Similarly, Bluetooth 6.0 can also monitor and filter out duplicate data, again to improve efficiency. These features will help device developers to improve the user interface and user experience.
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When Can Bluetooth 6.0 Come To Devices
Bluetooth 6.0 can also transfer large data in smaller link-layered packets, and it is known as the Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) enhancement, helping in audio products that need low latency.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is among the first smartphone chips, as per the official listing, that supports Bluetooth 6.0. However, some of the recently introduced phones like the OnePlus 13 and iQOO 13 are still using Bluetooth 5.4. Upcoming phones with the same chip are likely to support Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity.
Similarly, the iPhone 16 series is currently restricted to Bluetooth 5.3, and with the upcoming iPhone 17 series, Apple is likely to jump directly to Bluetooth 6.0. As for earbuds, fitness trackers, and tracking devices, these devices could arrive by early 2025.