Bluetooth HDT adopted: LE speeds jump from 2 to 7.5 Mbps, devices in 2027

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has formally adopted Bluetooth High Data Throughput (HDT) as an optional feature of the Bluetooth Core 7.0 specification, The Verge reports. HDT raises the maximum bit rate of Bluetooth Low Energy from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps — nearly a fourfold increase.

What changes

The main target is wireless audio. The extra bandwidth leaves room for high-resolution audio, spatial audio and multi-channel surround sound over standard Bluetooth LE Audio, without the proprietary codecs and formats that brands use today. The SIG also expects better reliability and battery life: moving the same data in less time means the radio can sleep longer.

Other devices benefit too. A smartwatch could sync more workout and health data to a phone without a battery penalty, and XR and spatial-computing gadgets could do more without falling back to Wi‑Fi.

When you'll get it

HDT is optional, so not every Core 7.0 device will support it. The first products are expected sometime in 2027, and you'll need HDT support on both ends — phone and earbuds. Current headphones won't gain it through an update unless the maker says so.

Why it matters

Today's best Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC top out around 990 kbps and are brand-specific. A standard 7.5 Mbps LE link could make lossless and hi-res audio work across brands. For the codecs you can use right now, see our Bluetooth codecs explained guide, and if you're shopping today, our wireless earbuds buying guide.