Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Receive Bluetooth LE Audio and Enhanced USB-C Support
Bose is rolling out a firmware update for its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) that introduces Bluetooth LE Audio support, enabling Auracast broadcasting and audio streaming capabilities via the LC3 codec. The update also improves USB-C audio performance for enhanced call quality and gaming microphone functionality, while adding 5.1 spatial audio support for compatible Android devices. Beta access to the 10.12.12 firmware version begins this week through the Bose mobile application.
Bose's update arrives nearly a year after the headphones' initial release, demonstrating the company's commitment to extending device longevity through software improvements. The LC3 codec represents a meaningful technical advancement, delivering superior audio fidelity while demanding less battery power than legacy standards. Currently, this feature set remains most accessible to Android users, as Apple devices are excluded from LE Audio functionality through Bose's implementation choices.
The USB-C enhancements address practical use cases beyond entertainment, specifically targeting professional communication scenarios. Refined call quality and microphone performance during gaming sessions indicate Bose's attention to the diverse ways consumers use premium headphones across work, leisure, and entertainment contexts.
This update may benefit early adopters of premium wireless audio who value staying current with emerging Bluetooth standards. The expansion of LE Audio support could encourage broader adoption of Auracast-enabled venues, potentially reshaping how public spaces deliver audio experiences. However, the restriction to certain Android and Windows devices suggests consumers with different ecosystems may experience unequal access to these new capabilities, potentially influencing purchasing decisions in the competitive headphone market.