The Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group), which is responsible for standardizing Bluetooth technology, has announced the specifications for the next-generation standard, Bluetooth 6.0. This version, the first major update in eight years, introduces many new features to improve communication efficiency and optimize power consumption, including Bluetooth Channel Sounding, which enables highly accurate distance measurement.
Its biggest feature, “Bluetooth Channel Sounding,” combines two measurement methods, Phase-Based Ranging (PBR) and Round-Trip Timing (RTT), to achieve safer and more accurate distance measurement. This technology is expected to significantly improve the accuracy of lost devices, such as Apple’s “Find My Device” and Google’s “Find My Google Device.” In addition, the
digital key solution adds a new, robust security layer, allowing authorized users within a specified range to unlock doors and access secure areas. This is expected to improve the convenience and safety of smart home and corporate security systems.
Improved communication efficiency and audio experience
Bluetooth 6.0 also introduces several new features to improve communication efficiency. Decision-Based Advertising Filtering improves the advertising communication efficiency of BLE-compatible devices. Devices can now efficiently scan for related packets based on the contents of the packets they receive. In addition
, the Monitoring Advertisers function implements a mechanism to notify the host of the movement of the device in and out of range. This is expected to reduce unnecessary scanning and extend battery life. In terms
of audio, a new operating mode, Unsegmented Framed mode, has been added to Isochronous Adaptation Layer Enhancement (ISOAL), making it possible to maintain high sound quality while minimizing audio delay. The introduction of
the LL Extended Feature Set has expanded the device’s functional expression to 1984 bits, laying the foundation for future Bluetooth evolution. In addition, Frame Space Update allows for flexible adjustment of communication timing between devices, making it possible to optimally configure devices with various performance levels.
These new features are expected to further expand the range of applications of Bluetooth technology. In particular, the emergence of new IoT devices and services that utilize highly accurate positioning technology is expected. However, according to Apple news site 9To5Mac, the first Apple devices using Bluetooth 6.0 are expected to arrive no earlier than 2025.
