If you’ve been shopping around for a new phone, speakers or set of headphones, then you may have noticed the term Bluetooth 6 or 6.1.
You’re likely already familiar with the general idea of Bluetooth, but where does Bluetooth 6 come into things? And, what’s the difference between Bluetooth 6 and Bluetooth 6.1?
We explain everything you need to know about Bluetooth 6 and Bluetooth 6.1 including what it is, how it works and which devices support the wireless technology. Once you’re finished here, make sure you visit our list of the best smartphones, best Bluetooth speakers and best Bluetooth headphones too.
What is Bluetooth 6?
We’ll start with a refresher on what Bluetooth actually is. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that transfers data between devices over short distances. For example, you can use Bluetooth to send photos from your phone to a friend’s, or use Bluetooth to connect headphones or other peripherals to devices.
Since its standardisation back in 1994, Bluetooth has seen numerous upgrades and improvements to enhance the technology and make it more reliable. The most recent of these improvements comes from Bluetooth 6 which was announced in September 2024 – eight years after the release of its predecessor, Bluetooth 5.
So, while Bluetooth 6 is the latest core iteration, Bluetooth 6.1 is a fairly recent update to the technology which offers better efficiency and device privacy.
What does Bluetooth 6.1 mean?
Bluetooth 6.1 was the first release under Bluetooth’s bi-annual release schedule which launched back in May 2025. It builds upon the core Bluetooth 6 structure, but promises improved power efficiency and enhanced device privacy, by “randomising the timing of address changes” which makes it harder for third parties to track your device activity.
What is the difference between Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth 6?
Bluetooth 6 is the newer iteration of Bluetooth, and includes several enhancements from its predecessor. These enhancements include:
- Channel sounding, for more accurate distance tracking
- Decision-based advertising filtering and monitoring
- Enhanced Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) for lower latency and improved reliability
- LL Extended Feature Set which lets devices share more information between each other
Which phone has Bluetooth 6?
Many of the best smartphones and best Android phones of 2026 are fitted with Bluetooth 6. This includes flagship series including the Samsung Galaxy S26, Pixel 10 (including the more affordable Pixel 10a) and the iPhone 17 are all fitted with Bluetooth 6.
That’s not all though, as the likes of the OnePlus 15, Oppo Find X9 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Ultra all also support Bluetooth 6.
Which Bluetooth does the iPhone 17 use?
Almost the entire iPhone 17 series supports Bluetooth 6. That means the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. However, the more affordable iPhone 17e instead supports Bluetooth 5.3.
