Apple adds FLAC support for iPhone 7, 8 and X

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It appears native FLAC playback will come as part of Apple's upcoming iOS11 software release, but it's time to wave goodbye to WAV...

Cast your eye over the specifications for the recently launched iPhone X and iPhone 8 (and 8 Plus) and you'll find a new addition to the list of audio formats supported. In amongst all the usual suspects is FLAC, a feature that was spotted during the initial trials of a new iOS back in June.

The fact the specs of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus also now show FLAC support would seem to suggest that it's coming as part of iOS 11, the latest version of Apple's operating system which is due to launch for download on 19th September. Could hi-res audio support be on the horizon too?

However, there's no mention of the file format on the respective pages for the iPhone 6S or 6S Plus, so it doesn't appear to be a universal roll-out.

Also, it looks like it's a case of one format in and a couple out. Neither WAV or AIFF (which was Apple's own uncompressed format) is listed on the supported formats for the new handsets, or the previous generation.

We've contacted Apple to clarify the situation.

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Andy Madden
Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.