Your Bose headphones are getting a major Bluetooth upgrade – what to expect

Bose is releasing firmware version 10.12.12 for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), bringing Bluetooth LE Audio support nearly a year after the headphones launched.

The update enables Auracast and audio streaming via the LC3 Bluetooth codec, according to ZDNET. Auracast lets users connect to audio streams in supported venues such as theaters, churches, and stadiums, and also allows one phone to share audio with multiple headphones or earbuds. The LC3 codec is described as offering higher-quality audio with lower power consumption than the older SBC codec.

Bose's release notes for the firmware state that LE Audio features are restricted to compatible Android and Windows devices. ZDNET notes that only select Android phones currently support LE Audio, Auracast, and LC3.

The firmware also expands USB-C audio support, adding game/chat balance and improved voice performance for web conferencing calls, along with a 48kHz sample rate for drivers and 16kHz for the microphone when gaming or video calling. These wired features are not supported when connected to a gaming console, only to PCs and mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. The update additionally brings 5.1 spatial audio to compatible Android devices.

The connectivity upgrades enter beta this week, and users can update their QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) through the Bose app. The headphones launched with Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth Low Energy hardware.

According to ZDNET, Bose joins only Sony among premium brands including Apple, Sennheiser, and Sonos in offering Auracast support. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) already supported 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio streaming.