May 12, 2025, 12:42 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The wireless communication standard Bluetooth is continuously being developed. At the end of 2024, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) introduced the next generation of transmission technology. However, before this even appears on the first devices, an update has already been released.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has announced a semi-annual release schedule along with a new version of the standard. Bluetooth 6.1 builds on the current generation and adds a range of features and improvements.
More Security and Improved Energy Efficiency
Every Bluetooth device has a resolvable private address (RPA), for which another device needs a key to establish a connection. Bluetooth 6.1 enhances security by automatically changing the RPA at irregular intervals. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to track a specific device over time.
Randomized RPAs have a practical side effect in Bluetooth 6.1. Since the process of address change now lies with the host device, connected devices can save energy. This is likely to contribute to longer battery life for headphones and smartwatches.
Semi-Annual Updates and Feature Overview
Until now, the SIG had announced new Bluetooth standards at irregular intervals—with version 6.1, this is set to change. To respond more quickly to changes and implement new security features earlier, two new versions will be released each year.
With Bluetooth 6.1, the interest group has introduced an appendix for the communication guide for the industry. It provides a clear and understandable description of the transmission standard’s features. This is intended to make it easier for companies to communicate the capabilities of their Bluetooth devices to customers.
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Bluetooth 6 Won’t Arrive Until the End of the Year
Manufacturers typically need about a year to implement new Bluetooth standards in their devices. Since version 6 was released at the end of 2024, the first compatible smartphones, headphones, etc., are expected to launch in the fall. The iPhone 17 is likely to be one of the first devices to feature Bluetooth 6.
Bluetooth 6 increases transmission speed in power-saving mode by 50 percent compared to Bluetooth 5.4, reaching 3 megabits per second. The maximum range also grows by 25 percent to 300 meters. A practical innovation is Bluetooth Channel Sounding, which measures the direction and distance between two devices. This enables searching and tracking via Bluetooth–similar to Apple’s AirTag. The new standard is also expected to speed up device setup.