iFi Launches UP Play and Max Dongles to Bypass iPhone Bluetooth Limitations

Key points

• iFi Audio launched the UP Play and UP Play Max, two USB-C Bluetooth transmitters that bypass native phone codec limitations.
• The UP Play Max supports aptX Lossless, delivering 16-bit/44.1kHz CD-quality audio, while the UP Play supports LDAC.
• Both devices utilize iFi’s proprietary K2HD technology to restore harmonic information lost during digital processing.
• The UP Play Max includes a built-in microphone with Qualcomm noise and echo suppression, as well as a low-latency mode for gaming.
• Priced at $59 and $89 respectively, the dongles are available immediately and work with any USB-C device.
• A future firmware update will add Auracast support to the UP Play Max, allowing broadcasting to multiple receivers.

Background

This release follows a trend of audiophile companies addressing the gap in high-resolution Bluetooth codecs on Apple devices. Earlier this year, competitors like Acoustune and FiiO released similar USB-C dongles to provide LDAC and aptX Lossless support. The timing coincides with the recent launch of the iPhone 18 series, which continues to rely on standard SBC and AAC codecs, leaving users with high-end wireless headphones unable to access their full potential without third-party hardware.

How outlets are covering it

Gear Patrol emphasizes the convenience of the new dongles for iPhone users, highlighting how they unlock the full potential of lossless streaming services like Apple Music and Qobuz. SoundGuys notes that while the UP Play Max is a strong option, it faces stiff competition from the FiiO BT1, which offers similar codec support for half the price, and the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro2, which includes additional codecs. eCoustics points out that while the UP Play Max is feature-rich, the dual-headphone pairing feature is limited to the basic SBC codec, and Auracast support is not available at launch. Thumb Culture highlights the transformative impact on iOS audio, noting that the UP Play Max quadruples the audio detail compared to native Apple codecs.

Why it matters

For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the inability of iPhones to support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs has been a significant bottleneck. These dongles provide an affordable, plug-and-play solution that allows users to enjoy the full quality of their lossless music subscriptions and high-end wireless headphones without needing to replace their smartphone. This democratizes high-fidelity audio, making it accessible to a broader audience who might otherwise be limited by their device's native capabilities.

What to watch

iFi Audio plans to release a firmware update for the UP Play Max that will add Auracast support, allowing users to broadcast audio to multiple compatible receivers without individual pairing. The company will also likely expand its marketing efforts to highlight the compatibility of these dongles with the newly released iPhone 18 series, targeting users who have just invested in new hardware but are still limited by Apple's Bluetooth codec restrictions.