Apple Music Just Made Life Easier for Premium Speaker Owners Who May Not Be Getting the Sound Quality They Paid So Much For

Apple Music subscribers can now stream music directly to Bluesound speakers and other compatible BluOS audio devices without relying on AirPlay 2, thanks to a free software update released October 20.

The new integration allows Apple Music to run natively on BluOS, the multiroom audio platform used by Bluesound and several high-end audio brands, including NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, DALI, Cyrus, and Monitor Audio.

For owners of these systems, the update makes Apple Music easier to use alongside other streaming services, particularly in homes with multiple connected speakers.

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How Apple Music Works With BluOS

Previously, Apple Music users typically relied on AirPlay 2 to send audio from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to compatible speakers.

With native Apple Music support now available through BluOS, subscribers can sign into their accounts directly through the BluOS Controller app. From there, the audio equipment handles playback independently, meaning an iPhone no longer needs to maintain the stream.

This also makes it easier to manage music throughout the house. Users can group speakers together to play the same music in multiple rooms or select different tracks for individual devices, all from the BluOS interface.

AirPlay 2 remains available for anyone who prefers using Apple’s built-in streaming option.

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There’s One Important Audio Quality Limitation

While the integration makes Apple Music more convenient, it may be a drawback for listeners who prioritize sound quality.

Bluesound hasn’t confirmed the maximum streaming quality supported by its Apple Music integration.

However, Apple’s MusicKit API, which third-party developers use to access the service, generally limits playback to 256kbps AAC rather than lossless ALAC audio.

That distinction matters because BluOS is widely used with premium audio equipment, where support for higher-quality recordings is often a major selling point.

Some users have reported individual tracks streaming at AAC 320kbps, but there’s currently no confirmation that the new integration supports Apple Music’s full lossless catalog.

If you specifically bought Bluesound equipment to enjoy lossless music, that limitation is worth considering.

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A More Convenient Alternative to AirPlay 2

The integration works somewhat like Spotify Connect, which allows music to stream directly to compatible speakers without keeping the phone involved in playback.

One difference is that BluOS lets users manage Apple Music alongside other supported streaming services from a single app, rather than switching between separate music applications.

The free BluOS update is now available for compatible Bluesound equipment and partner brands, with no additional hardware required.