Full Breakdown
Bose Adds Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast and USB-C Enhancements to QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2)
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Update Overview
Bose has begun distributing a new firmware package, version 10.12.12, for its $449 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). The update introduces Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio support, which enables the Auracast broadcast feature, and adds several USB-C audio improvements, including higher-resolution streaming for gaming and voice calls. The rollout has been occurring over the past few weeks and is delivered through the Bose app.
Background on LE Audio and Auracast
Auracast is built into the Bluetooth LE Audio standard that debuted in July 2022. It allows a single source to broadcast audio to any number of compatible headphones, speakers, phones or hearing aids without the traditional pairing process. Early adopters of Auracast include Sony, JBL, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Sennheiser (which also released a transmitter) and smaller makers such as EarFun. Bose’s entry marks the first time the company’s flagship over-ear model supports this technology, expanding the ecosystem of devices that can receive shared audio streams in venues like airports, theaters, churches or stadiums.
Technical Details and Data
- Bluetooth version: 5.4 with Low Energy support for auto-low-power and auto-wake functions.
- Audio codecs: LE Audio uses the LC3 codec, offering higher fidelity and lower power consumption than the older SBC codec.
- USB-C capabilities: The update adds 24-bit/48 kHz lossless streaming, a 48 kHz sample rate for drivers, and a 16 kHz rate for the microphone during gaming or video calls. It also introduces a game/chat balance feature and better voice performance for web-conference apps.
- Spatial audio: 5.1 spatial audio with head-tracking is enabled on compatible Android devices.
- Device compatibility: According to Bose’s release notes, LE Audio and Auracast functions are limited to Android and Windows platforms; Apple devices are not supported.
Official Statements & Responses
ZDNet’s coverage of the release notes reiterates that the LE Audio features are restricted to compatible Android and Windows devices. The same notes describe the USB-C enhancements as “refined” and aimed at improving voice and gaming audio quality.
Why It Matters
By adopting LE Audio and Auracast, Bose positions its flagship headphones alongside a small group of premium manufacturers—most notably Sony—in offering broadcast-style audio sharing. The USB-C refinements further differentiate the Ultra model from Bose’s mid-range QuietComfort (2nd Gen) line, which already includes spatial audio and advanced noise-cancellation. For Android and Windows users, the update promises more efficient battery use, higher-quality wireless streaming, and flexible multi-device listening scenarios such as shared airport announcements or group media playback.
What’s Next
Bose has indicated that Auracast support will be extended to additional devices in the future, though no specific timeline or product list has been provided. Users must keep the Bose app open and maintain a connection to the headphones while the 10.12.12 firmware installs, a process that can take up to 55 minutes in total.