iFi Up Play and Up Play Max bring hi-res Bluetooth audio to iPhone, PS5, Switch 2, Android, and laptops
iFi has introduced two ultra-compact USB-C Bluetooth transmitters designed to upgrade wireless audio on devices that often lack advanced codec support. The new iFi Up Play and iFi Up Play Max make it easier to use high-resolution Bluetooth headphones and earbuds with Apple iPhones, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Android phones, notebooks, and other USB-C devices.
For many listeners, Bluetooth audio quality depends heavily on codec support. Standard SBC and AAC codecs are widely compatible and work with almost every Bluetooth headset, but they are not always the best choice for high-detail music, movies, or gaming. Higher-quality codecs such as Sony LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC, and Apple Lossless were created to deliver richer sound, better clarity, and improved performance with compatible headphones.
LDAC is one of the most common high-resolution Bluetooth audio codecs and is supported by many Android phones running Android 9 or newer. It is also found in a wide range of premium headphones and earbuds from brands such as Sony, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, JBL, and Technics. However, codec support is far from universal.
Apple iPhones, for example, do not support LDAC or aptX over Bluetooth. This means many high-end wireless headphones cannot deliver their full audio potential when paired directly with an iPhone. Apple Lossless support is also limited to Apple’s own ecosystem and only a small number of compatible headphones.
Laptops can face similar limitations. Many Windows and Mac computers do not include native support for advanced Bluetooth audio codecs, and game consoles are often even more restricted. That is where a small USB-C transmitter like the iFi Up Play series can make a major difference.
The iFi Up Play is a Bluetooth 5.2 USB-C transmitter that adds support for LDAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. It is designed to draw very little power, using less than 10 mA, making it suitable for mobile devices, handheld gaming systems, and laptops.
Users can connect up to two pairs of wireless headphones at the same time when using the SBC codec, which can be useful for shared listening during travel, gaming, or watching videos. For gamers, a low-latency mode can be enabled through the iFi app to help reduce audio delay.
Another interesting feature is the inclusion of K2 Technology, co-developed by JVC Kenwood and Victor Studio. This audio processing system is designed to improve lower-quality audio sources, such as MP3 files, by restoring high-frequency details that may have been lost during compression. The goal is to make older or compressed music sound more open and refined.
The iFi Up Play Max builds on the standard model with Bluetooth 5.4 and adds support for aptX Lossless. This codec is especially appealing for listeners who want CD-quality wireless audio with compatible headphones. The Max version also supports Auracast, a newer Bluetooth feature that allows audio broadcasting to compatible devices, opening the door to more flexible shared listening experiences.
Despite their added functionality, both transmitters are extremely small and portable. Each model weighs just 3 grams and measures 27.6 x 20.8 x 8 mm, making them easy to carry in a pocket, laptop bag, or gaming case.
The iFi Up Play is priced at $59, while the iFi Up Play Max costs $89. Both are aimed at users who want better Bluetooth audio quality without replacing their phone, laptop, console, or headphones.
For anyone using premium wireless headphones with a device that lacks LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, or aptX Lossless support, the iFi Up Play and Up Play Max offer a simple plug-and-play way to unlock better sound. They are especially useful for iPhone users, console gamers, frequent travelers, and laptop owners who want a more capable Bluetooth audio experience from a tiny USB-C accessory.
