Philips M2L headphones connect via Apple Lightning port, support high-res audio

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The M2L headphones take a digital audio connection from the Apple Lightning port on iPhones and other iOS devices, feature a 24-bit DAC and support high-resolution audio.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were unveiled yesterday, but there was no word on the new smartphones being able to play high-resolution audio as was previously rumoured.

The Philips M2L headphones have thrown something of a curveball with the announcement of "high-resolution headphones" aimed squarely at the iPhone and iOS devices.

They connect to Apple devices via the digital Lightning port, taking audio from that output rather than the traditional headphone jack, and feature a high-quality 24-bit DAC and amplification within the headphones themselves, bypassing the iPhone's internal DAC.

The digital-to-analogue converter is combined with other audiophile-grade components, plus 40mm neodymium drivers to produce a pair of headphones that are the "ultimate partner for any iOS device".

An acoustic, closed-back design aims to provide "excellent noise isolation" while delivering "a controlled and dynamic bass".

Will this mark a rush on headphones connecting via the Lightning port? Does Philips think Apple will ultimately allow high-res audio support? We shall see.

The Philips Fidelio M2L headphones will be available from December for €250.

Max Langridge

Max is a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?'s sister site, TechRadar, in Australia. But being the wonderful English guy he is, he helps out with content across a number of Future sites, including What Hi-Fi?. It wouldn't be his first exposure to the world of all things hi-fi and home cinema, as his first role in technology journalism was with What Hi-Fi? in the UK. Clearly he pined to return after making the move to Australia and the team have welcomed him back with arms wide open.