Android 17 update adds LHDC v5 support, letting Pixel phones stream higher‑bitrate Bluetooth audio. Previously Pixels fell back to AAC, SBC or Sony LDAC even with compatible earbuds. Now earbuds from Nothing and OnePlus can use the new codec, giving users a true hi‑res wireless option. This support arrives without a separate firmware update, leveraging the OS rollout.

Enabling the codec isn’t automatic. Users must open Developer Options, select LHDC v5 under Bluetooth Audio Codec, and often toggle Hi‑Res Audio in the earbuds’ companion app. The change only shines when paired with a high‑quality source such as Apple Music’s 24‑bit/96 kHz lossless stream, which can fully utilize the higher bitrate. Without the setting change, devices will default to the older codecs, missing the benefit.

The addition expands Pixel’s audio ecosystem, aligning it with other Android flagships that already support LHDC. For audiophiles, the upgrade means fewer compromises between convenience and fidelity, while manufacturers gain a broader market for their LHDC‑compatible devices. Android 17 therefore turns a quiet code push into a tangible quality boost for everyday listening. Consumers can now enjoy tracks on the go, matching wired performance closely.