Bose adds Auracast support to flagship headphones
The $449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 receive a new firmware update adding Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Bose brings Auracast audio broadcasting to its flagship headphones for the first time
- QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 gain beta support via firmware version 10.12.12
- The standard QC Headphones (Gen 2) are scheduled to receive the beta update next
Bose is rolling out a new firmware update for its $449 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2, introducing support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features. These flagship Ultra headphones mark the very first audio hardware from Bose to support this advanced audio sharing technology, with plans to expand the capability to additional devices in the near future.
While only a handful of major manufacturers have integrated Auracast into select headphones or earbuds—such as Sony, JBL, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sennheiser—the adoption rate across the industry has been relatively slow since the technology was formally announced back in 2022. Because Bose remains one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the consumer audio market, its decision to adopt the standard represents a significant milestone for Auracast.
Auracast technology enables a single audio source to broadcast Bluetooth sound to an unlimited number of compatible headphones or speakers simultaneously. This capability opens up numerous practical applications, ranging from public gate announcements at airports and local venue performances to college lecture halls, as well as home use scenarios such as watching television quietly while family members sleep or providing extra hearing assistance.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Bose entering the Auracast ecosystem signals a vital shift for Bluetooth LE Audio, moving the standard from niche implementation toward mainstream consumer readiness. As major audio brands continue to embed these protocols into flagship devices, the underlying infrastructure for public and private audio broadcasting is bound to expand significantly over the coming years.
The new firmware update, designated as version 10.12.12, has been quietly deploying to users over the past few weeks. Alongside Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast functionality, the update introduces improved audio performance over wired USB connections, including dedicated audio and chat balance controls for gaming, alongside enhanced compatibility for web conferencing applications.
Tim Williams, a Bose spokesperson, confirmed via email that the QC Headphones (Gen 2) will receive the same beta firmware update shortly.
Source: The Verge
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