The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has revealed the characteristics of the new Bluetooth 6.0 protocol. It is the most significant update since the introduction of Bluetooth 5.0 in 2016. While we wait impatiently for this major evolution, let’s take a look at what this new version means for the future of wireless connectivity.
Lower energy consumption
One of the major challenges for wireless technologies is managing energy usage. This new version should incorporate advanced mechanisms for greater energy efficiency, by scanning only relevant data packets, adapted to the specific needs of each application. This means that devices will consume less current while maintaining a stable, efficient connection, contributing to longer battery life.
Improved location tracking
Another advantage of this update is its ability to locate connected devices with centimeter-level accuracy. This breakthrough relies on a new protocol called Bluetooth Channel Sounding (BCS). BCS exchanges radio signals between an initiator and a reflector. Thanks to Phase-Based Ranging and Round-Trip Time, Bluetooth 6.0 can reliably determine the distance between devices.
This improvement may well transform lost object tracking. Currently, tools like the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag use Ultra WideBand (UWB) for precise location tracking. With Bluetooth 6.0, it’s possible that this technology will become an effective alternative or complement to UWB, making it easier to find objects such as keys, wallets or remote controls lost under the sofa. This development could also pave the way for interoperable location trackers, making searching for lost objects more accessible and universal.
Optimized audio transmission and power usage
Furthermore, improvements made to the Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) will benefit audio applications where low latency is important.
The Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) makes it possible for larger data frames to be transmitted in smaller link-layer packets and ensures the associated timing information that is needed for the correct processing of the data by receivers can be reconstituted. […] In Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.0, ISOAL has been improved by defining a new framing mode that reduces latency for use cases that are particularly sensitive to this issue. The same feature also improves reliability.
Bluetooth
When will Bluetooth 6.0 be available?
Although the technical details have been made public, the roll-out date for Bluetooth 6.0 is still unknown. The SIG has yet to release a precise timetable, but early indications suggest we could see compatible devices as early as 2025.
