BluOS has announced native Apple Music integration, allowing users to access the streaming service directly through the BluOS Controller app. Announced by Canada’s Lenbrook Media Group on October 20, the update brings Apple Music to compatible audio products from Bluesound, NAD, and other BluOS partners. Unlike conventional AirPlay 2 playback, the new integration allows BluOS devices to stream music directly from Apple’s servers without relying on a smartphone or tablet to relay the audio.
The integration brings Apple Music’s catalog of more than 100 million songs to the BluOS ecosystem. With Apple Music joining existing services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify, and Deezer, BluOS continues to expand its role as a unified platform for network audio playback.
Direct Streaming Without AirPlay 2
Previously, Apple Music users typically relied on AirPlay 2 to play music through compatible BluOS devices using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. With the new integration, users can link their Apple Music account to the BluOS Controller app and select music directly. The BluOS player then retrieves the audio stream from Apple’s servers, while the mobile device functions primarily as a remote controller.
This approach resembles the playback architecture used by Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, but it does not mean Apple Music has introduced a universal Connect-style feature. Instead, Apple Music is integrated within the BluOS Controller app, rather than allowing users to select BluOS devices directly from the Apple Music app.
The update supports compatible BluOS products across brands including Bluesound, NAD, PSB, DALI, Cyrus Audio, and Monitor Audio. Supported devices include Bluesound’s NODE network streamers, POWERNODE streaming amplifiers, and PULSE wireless speakers.
Apple Music playback also works with BluOS multi-room functionality, allowing users to group compatible devices and play synchronized music throughout the home. Existing AirPlay 2 support remains available.
Lossless and Hi-Res Audio Support Remains Unconfirmed
For audiophiles, the most important unanswered question concerns audio quality. Apple Music offers lossless streaming using ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), with selected recordings available in Hi-Res Lossless at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.
However, the official BluOS announcement does not specify the audio codec, bit depth, or maximum sampling rate supported through the new Apple Music integration. Direct streaming from Apple’s servers therefore does not necessarily mean that ALAC lossless or high-resolution playback is supported.
Some early users have reported that the BluOS Controller displays AAC at 256kbps during Apple Music playback. These observations have not been established as an official specification covering all supported devices and content.
What has been confirmed is native service integration, direct streaming, and multi-room compatibility. Support for lossless and high-resolution audio, as well as Dolby Atmos and other Apple Music features, remains subject to further clarification.
Expanding the Capabilities of Existing BluOS Systems
BluOS has long provided access to multiple streaming services, including TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify, through a unified control platform. Adding Apple Music removes a significant limitation for users who previously depended on AirPlay to access their music libraries and playlists.
The integration is available as a free software update for compatible BluOS devices and requires an active Apple Music subscription.
By expanding streaming functionality without requiring new hardware, the update highlights the growing importance of long-term software support in network audio. For existing BluOS owners, native Apple Music integration offers greater flexibility and convenience, even as questions about lossless and high-resolution playback remain unresolved.
Source : Bluesound
https://www.bluesound.com/blogs/news/apple-music-now-available-on-bluesound