Bose is set to enhance the capabilities of its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) with a significant firmware update, version 10.12.12. Arriving nearly a year after the headphones’ launch, this update introduces Bluetooth LE Audio support, enabling Auracast broadcasting and high-efficiency audio streaming through the LC3 codec.
The update also refines USB-C audio performance, allowing for higher-quality sound during voice calls and improved microphone usage while gaming. Additionally, users on compatible Android devices will gain access to 5.1 spatial audio. Beta versions of the update are available this week through the Bose app.
Among top-tier audio brands such as Apple, Sony, Sennheiser, and Sonos, Bose joins Sony in offering Auracast support via the LE Audio standard. While companies like JBL and Google have adopted Auracast, they generally lag behind premium manufacturers in over-ear headphone quality. Auracast allows users in venues like theaters or stadiums to sync with public audio streams, and it also enables phone users to share audio with unlimited compatible headphones.
The LE Audio standard mandates the LC3 codec, which delivers superior audio quality while consuming less power than the legacy SBC codec. However, these features are currently limited to compatible Android and Windows devices, according to Bose’s release notes. Only select Android phones currently support LE Audio, Auracast, and LC3, meaning Android users will see the most benefit.
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) were designed with Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth Low Energy hardware to support advanced auto-low-power and auto-wake features. This new firmware distinguishes the flagship model from the midrange QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), which recently received its own premium feature updates.
Beyond Bluetooth improvements, the firmware enhances USB-C audio, specifically addressing game/chat balance and voice clarity for web conferencing. The headphones can now handle 48kHz sample rates for drivers and 16kHz for the microphone during gaming or video calls. These high-resolution wired audio features are available only when connected to PCs and mobile devices, not gaming consoles.
With these upgrades, Bose positions its flagship headphones as a well-rounded competitor in connectivity. The update sharpens USB-C audio beyond Sony’s offerings, expands LE Audio capabilities unavailable in Sennheiser products, and improves Android compatibility compared to Apple’s ecosystem.
48kHz USB-C audio is a game-changer for wired gaming. Finally, a legit rival to Sony’s dongle setup.
Great news for Android users. The 5.1 spatial audio addition makes these even better for media consumption on the go.
Nearly a year late? Bose really needs to stop shipping half-baked firmware. Worth it though if it works flawlessly.
LE Audio with LC3 sounds promising, but I wish this update included lossless Bluetooth for my high-res library.
Finally, Auracast support! Can’t wait to sync these at the cinema. Hope Bose rolls it out for iOS soon too.