Several outlets report that Google’s Android 17 update for Pixel phones includes added support for the LHDC v5 high-definition, low-latency Bluetooth audio codec. The feature is described as “quietly” added, because it does not appear in Google’s published “what’s new” notes for the Android 17 release. GSMArena and Android Authority both say the codec support was noticed earlier during Android 17 beta testing and is now present in the stable version for Pixel devices. Droid Life frames the addition as intended for audio enthusiasts and highlights that the relevant settings are not prominently exposed in normal menus.
According to these reports, LHDC v5 is available through Android’s Developer Options. Users may need to enable Developer Options first, then locate the Bluetooth Audio Codec setting to confirm that LHDC v5 is available and active. One reported requirement is to tap the Build Number multiple times under About phone to unlock Developer Options, after which a new codec-related option can appear. The sources generally describe LHDC v5 as supporting 96 kHz high-resolution audio when compatible earbuds and playback paths are used.
