Android 17 unlocks LHDC v5 for Pixel earbuds, boosting wireless audio quality
Android 17 quietly adds LHDC v5 support to Pixel phones, enabling higher-bitrate wireless audio with LHDC-capable earbuds (e.g., Nothing and OnePlus). Users may need to enable LHDC v5 in Settings > System > Developer Options > Bluetooth Audio Codec and possibly turn on Hi‑Res Audio in the companion earbuds app. Google’s update broadens codec options beyond AAC/LDAC and, with Auracast support, improves wireless audio options for Pixel devices.