iFi Released Two USB-C Bluetooth Transmitters
The new adapters enable high-fidelity audio codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC on iPhones and game consoles.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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iFi has released the Up Play and Up Play Max, two USB-C Bluetooth transmitters designed to add advanced codec support to devices like the iPhone, laptops, and game consoles. These peripherals enable high-bitrate streaming via standards previously unavailable on standard hardware.
Why it matters
These transmitters allow users to leverage high-fidelity Bluetooth codecs on devices that lack native support, bridging the gap between high-end audio hardware and common consumer electronics. By offloading audio processing to a dedicated external module, they bypass internal software limitations.
The Up Play utilizes Bluetooth 5.2 while the Max version upgrades to 5.4, with the latter supporting Auracast and aptX Lossless. Both units weigh 3.0 g and measure 27.6 x 20.8 x 8 mm, with power draw limited to under 10 mA.
The players
iFi
An audio hardware manufacturer specializing in portable digital-to-analog converters and high-resolution streaming accessories.
JVC Kenwood
A Japanese electronics conglomerate known for its audio engineering, including the K2 signal processing technology.
The details
These transmitters connect via USB-C to provide high-fidelity audio paths for devices including the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and iPhones. The Up Play model incorporates JVC Kenwood and Victor Studio K2 Technology, a proprietary digital signal processing method used to restore high-frequency detail and phase information to digital audio sources.
Timeline
October 11, 2026: The products were officially released for global retail.
The Tech Race
This release follows the industry push to standardize high-bitrate, low-latency audio transmission via the Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec. It marks a shift in consumer hardware where mobile devices and consoles can finally leverage audiophile-grade wireless protocols through modular upgrades.
Users can now enable aptX Lossless or LDAC on hardware like the iPhone or Nintendo Switch for $59 to $89. These devices are available immediately for users who wish to improve wireless audio quality on existing mobile and gaming platforms.
The takeaway
These devices bridge the gap for users seeking high-fidelity wireless audio on platforms that lack native advanced codec support. Watch for upcoming independent third-party benchmarks to verify if the hardware achieves the advertised aptX Lossless and LDAC performance metrics.
Further reading
For more on the current state of wireless audio hardware, visit Consumer Electronics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Notebookcheck.
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