Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 5 hrs ago
iFi USB-C transmitters add high-quality Bluetooth audio to phones and consoles
iFi has introduced two small USB-C Bluetooth transmitters called the Up Play and Up Play Max.
They connect to devices such as iPhones, laptops, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, adding support for audio codecs that those devices may not support on their own.
The Up Play supports LDAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, while the Max also supports aptX Lossless and Auracast.
These codecs can deliver higher-quality audio than the basic Bluetooth formats supported by most devices.
The transmitters can send audio to compatible wireless headphones or speakers, and the Up Play can connect to two headphones at once using the basic SBC codec.
This matters because many iPhones, computers and game consoles lack built-in support for some high-quality Bluetooth audio formats.
The Up Play costs $59 and the Up Play Max costs $89; both are available from iFi and its Amazon store.
iFi has introduced the Up Play and Up Play Max, USB-C Bluetooth transmitters that add support for higher-quality audio codecs to connected devices.
Both models support LDAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive; the Max also supports aptX Lossless and Auracast.
They are intended for phones, laptops and game consoles, including Apple iPhones, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
The Up Play costs $59, while the Up Play Max costs $89.
- Who
- iFi.
- What
- The company introduced two USB-C Bluetooth transmitters, the Up Play and Up Play Max, with support for higher-quality Bluetooth audio codecs.
- When
- The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- They connect to devices including phones, laptops and game consoles.
- Why
- To add support for higher-quality Bluetooth audio codecs on connected devices.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
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- Models
- Up Play and Up Play Max
- Up Play codecs
- LDAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC and SBC
- Up Play Max additions
- aptX Lossless and Auracast
- Prices
- $59 for Up Play; $89 for Up Play Max
- Dimensions and weight
- Both models measure 27.6 x 20.8 x 8 mm and weigh 3.0 g
Sources
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