Google Pixel Phones Get Better Wireless Audio in Android 17

Android 17 is set to bring a significant audio upgrade to Google Pixel phones: support for LHDC (Low Latency High Definition Audio Codec). This wireless audio standard offers much better sound quality over Bluetooth compared to the codecs most phones currently use.

What Is LHDC and Why Does It Matter?

Bluetooth audio has a hidden flaw: it compresses your music before sending it to your headphones. This process can strip away the detail that makes songs sound rich. Imagine sending a high-resolution photo through a service that automatically shrinks it before delivery. You get the picture, but some quality is lost.

Most phones still use codecs like AAC or SBC, which have been around for years. LHDC, developed by Savitech, supports audio bitrates up to 900 kbps and sampling rates up to 96kHz. In comparison, the standard AAC codec usually peaks around 250 kbps. This difference means more audio detail reaches your ears.

According to 9to5Google, Android 17 integrates native LHDC support directly into the operating system. This means Pixel phones won’t need manufacturer workarounds or third-party apps to benefit from it.

How to Check If Your Pixel Is Using LHDC

To find out which audio codec your phone is currently using, you’ll need to enable Developer Options. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings, then About Phone.
2. Tap Build Number seven times. You’ll see a message confirming that Developer Options are now enabled.
3. Return to Settings, then System, and tap Developer Options.
4. Scroll down to Bluetooth Audio Codec. Once you connect LHDC-compatible headphones, this menu will display whether LHDC is active.

Keep in mind: both your phone and headphones need to support LHDC for it to work. If your earbuds only support AAC, you won’t notice any improvement from Android 17. Check your headphone manufacturer’s specifications to confirm compatibility.

Which Pixel Phones Will Get This?

Android 17 is expected to roll out to Pixel devices still within Google’s support window. Google typically supports Pixel phones for seven years of OS updates. This means models from the Pixel 6 generation onward should be eligible. The Pixel 10 series, highlighted in coverage from 9to5Google, is likely to support LHDC right out of the box.

What This Means for You

If you enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos on wireless headphones, this update is a subtle yet real improvement. You won’t see a splash screen announcing better audio. Instead, you’ll notice that your favorite songs have more texture, instrument separation sounds clearer, and there’s less of that flat, compressed feel typical of lower-quality Bluetooth audio.

Those most likely to notice the difference are people who already own high-end headphones that support LHDC, like specific models from Sony, Jabra, or other brands that have adopted the standard. If you’re using basic earbuds, the codec your phone uses might matter less than the quality of the drivers (the speakers inside the earbuds) themselves.

This update also shows that Google is placing more importance on audio quality as a competitive feature for Pixel. Apple has long used its AAX codec on AirPods for tighter integration with iPhones. With LHDC, Pixel users gain a comparable high-quality wireless audio option, especially if they prefer non-Google headphones.

Community Reactions

“Finally. I’ve been using LDAC on my Sony headphones, but LHDC has even higher potential bitrate. This is a big deal for audiophiles on Android.”

— Reddit user, r/GooglePixel

“Cool update, but most people won’t notice a difference on their $30 earbuds. I’d rather see Google fix the Bluetooth connection drops first.”

— YouTube comment on 9to5Google’s coverage

What To Watch

• Android 17 stable release: Google has been running developer previews, with a stable release expected later in 2026. That’s when LHDC support will become available to most users.
• Headphone manufacturer updates: Keep an eye out for firmware updates from major headphone brands that may add or enhance LHDC support on existing models.
• Pixel 10 launch details: The Pixel 10 series is expected to ship with Android 17 pre-installed, making it the first Pixel line with LHDC support from day one.
• Google’s broader audio strategy: With this update and the recently spotted Google Home speaker with a fixed power cable, Google seems to be investing more in its audio ecosystem as we head into the second half of 2026.

Sources: 9to5Google, The Verge