The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) releases a new version of the technology almost annually. Although we are currently using Bluetooth v5.4, the Bluetooth SIG has already released the new v6.0 specs. This suggests that the latest Bluetooth 6.0 may soon be seen in smartphones, as flagship models are scheduled to appear in the upcoming weeks. Among other features, the most recent version of the connectivity technology includes channel sounding, decision-based advertising filtering, and advertiser monitoring. What does that imply for you, though?
Now, most of the changes are in the background and impact objects that we don’t directly engage with, according to the Bluetooth SIG specifications. Nonetheless, these modifications should significantly increase battery life, communication rates, and Bluetooth connection stability for manufacturers of hardware and software. which also translates into a major improvement for the final user.
Channel Sounding, a function that lets Bluetooth give true spatial awareness, is one of the most significant innovations that arrives with Bluetooth 6.0. Real distance awareness will be added to Bluetooth with this innovation, which has the potential to significantly improve several areas. For instance, it will speed up and simplify the process of using “Find My” features to locate misplaced goods.
Bluetooth 6.0 is also equipped with decision-based advertising filtering. No, this functionality relates to how Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) signals identify themselves to other devices rather than web advertisements. After receiving a packet, it enables a device to determine whether it needs to search for additional relevant data. By stopping the device from downloading the same data repeatedly, this minimizes data loss and speeds up operations. Additionally, a feature known as monitoring advertising allows a device receiving data to filter out duplicate packets from a transmitting device, which is intended to preserve battery life and speed up Bluetooth’s reaction time.
With Bluetooth 6.0, there will be fewer data transfer delays thanks to a new feature called isochronous adaption layer enhancement, which divides huge data into smaller packets for quicker transfers. Additionally, a new option to reduce latency based on data organization is included.
Although the new Bluetooth 6 specs were made public in August 2024, no devices incorporating the technology have been launched as of yet. We might soon see the Snapdragon 8 Elite in cellphones and other gadgets since it supports Bluetooth 6. The OnePlus 13 and Realme GT 7 Pro are the two smartphones that have been announced thus far that use the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. a number of more devices, such as the Xiaomi 15 series, iQOO 13, and Samsung Galaxy S25 series.