Bluesound is now bringing native Apple Music streaming to its high-end lineup of wireless speakers, soundbars, and streaming components. The new capability comes through an update to BluOS, the operating system powering Bluesound devices as well as hardware from partner brands NAD, PSB, DALI, Cyrus, and Monitor Audio.
Seamless Streaming Without a Host Device
With this update, Bluesound users can access Apple Music directly through BluOS—no need to stream from a phone or tablet. Once signed into Apple Music via the BluOS Controller app, the streaming service becomes available across all compatible devices in your home. Of course, an active Apple Music subscription is required.
While Apple Music can still be accessed via AirPlay 2 using an iPhone or iPad, the big change is that the BluOS-powered gadget itself handles streaming. This lets users fully leverage multi-room audio, sending Apple Music to multiple devices simultaneously. The sign-in is done once—after that, everything is synced, with controls available through BluOS.
What’s Included — And What’s Unclear
The native Apple Music integration arrives at no extra cost for existing users—just download the latest BluOS update. Every speaker, soundbar, or streamer running BluOS is included. However, there’s one notable question that remains unanswered: lossless audio support. The company has not yet confirmed whether Apple Music’s lossless formats will work through BluOS.
Bluesound’s product range is built for serious listeners. Entry-level models like the 50W all-in-one speaker still carry premium price tags—around $379. Mid-tier offerings, like the 80W Pulse M Omni-Hybrid, push higher. At the high end, components such as the Node Icon streamer with dual-mono DAC and THX AAA headphone driver, or the full-size Pulse Cinema soundbar with 500W output and 16 drivers, target audiophiles willing to invest significantly.
Users benefit from a wide range of hardware compatibility—not just internal Bluesound models but also those from its BluOS-partner brands—so long as the hardware updates to the latest firmware.
Why This Matters
For years, Apple Music integrations in premium audio systems often required external devices or relied on AirPlay, which can complicate setups or leave features off the table. With native streaming, Bluesound joins a growing wave of brands making Apple’s service more tightly woven into home audio ecosystems. The move also raises competitive pressure on similar players to offer native support—and potentially unlock lossless and spatial audio capabilities without forcing users into the Apple-only ecosystem.
All this means better flexibility for listeners. If you already have a high-end audio setup with Bluesound or a BluOS-partner, this change elevates your experience—less hassle, more direct access. Over time, clarity on lossless support will be key: it’s not just about streaming, it’s about how fully premium loads are delivered without compromise.
What to watch for: firmware updates confirming lossless or spatial audio support, how well BluOS handles Apple Music metadata and features, and whether competing brands respond by enabling their speakers to stream natively. For audiophiles, these kinds of integrations determine not just convenience—they define whether your setup is future-proofed.
