Bluetooth SIG adopts High Data Throughput standard for 7.5 Mbps speeds

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially adopted the High Data Throughput (HDT) specification as part of the Bluetooth Core 7.0 standard. This new feature, designed as an optional extension for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), increases the maximum data transfer rate from 2 Mbps to up to 7.5 Mbps.

The increased bandwidth is expected to enable standardized lossless audio transmission, supporting uncompressed stereo up to 24-bit/96 kHz. This development could reduce the industry's reliance on proprietary codecs for high-resolution audio. Beyond audio, the higher throughput will benefit spatial computing, AI applications, and wearable devices by enabling faster firmware updates and more efficient data synchronization for smartwatches and smart glasses.

Technically, HDT utilizes more robust modulation schemes and a new physical layer to improve efficiency and connection reliability in crowded wireless environments. Because the upgrade involves changes to the physical layer, support requires new hardware; existing devices cannot be upgraded via software alone. The first consumer products featuring HDT support are anticipated to enter the market in early 2027.