Bluetooth 6.0: A Breakdown of the New Features and Differences in the Latest Version of the Wireless Communication Standard

In this post, we’ll explain the new features in Bluetooth 6.0, the latest version of the short-range wireless technology standard. After Bluetooth 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4, there’s now a significant update. The 6.0 version comes with major improvements aimed at addressing security issues and enhancing precision.

Bluetooth is a crucial technology for wireless device connectivity. However, it’s important to note that when you connect two devices that support different Bluetooth versions, you’ll only be able to enjoy the features of the oldest one. For instance, when you connect a Bluetooth 6.0 device to a Bluetooth 5.0 device, you’ll be limited to the features available on the 5.0 device.

New Features in Bluetooth 6.0

Here’s a list of the new features in Bluetooth 6.0:

• Channel Sounding: Bluetooth 6.0 accurately measures the distance of a device using phase-based measurement, allowing for more precise device-finding functions. Developers can choose between prioritizing accuracy or latency as needed.
• Additional security layer: With Channel Sounding, Bluetooth 6.0 can enable new features, such as only unlocking a smart lock within a specific distance range, thus preventing unauthorized opening techniques.
• Advertising filtering: Decision-based advertising filtering is now included, allowing a scanning device to use the content of a packet received in a primary advertising channel to determine whether related packets in secondary channels should be searched for. This represents an improvement in proximity marketing.
• Advertiser monitoring: This feature filters out duplicate advertising packets, making the host more efficient. It reports each time a device enters and leaves Bluetooth range using the HCI interface.
• Isochronous Adaptation Layer: This feature allows larger data sizes to be transmitted in smaller packets. This ensures that the information is reconstructed on the device to which it’s transmitted.
• Extended LL features: This allows devices to exchange a larger number of layer features.
• Fram Space: This no longer uses the fixed value of 150 µs and can now be shorter or longer.

Bluetooth Evolution Throughout the Years

Now, let’s take a look at how Bluetooth versions have evolved over the years to understand how the standard has progressed.

• Bluetooth 1.0: This was the initial version launched in 1999. As it was the first step for the technology, it had many connectivity and security problems. It’s no longer in use.
• Bluetooth 1.1: Released in 2002, this was the first update of Bluetooth 1.0. It’s considered a mature and commercial version with a transmission rate of around 721 kbps.
• Bluetooth 1.2: This update arrived in 2003 and aimed to reduce the interferences present in version 1.1 and refine the technology.
• Bluetooth 2.0: The second major version of Bluetooth launched in 2004 and was compatible with 1.2. Its main feature was the introduction of Enhanced Data Rate, which allowed for a transmission rate of just over 2 Mbps.
• Bluetooth 2.1: This version was launched in 2007, maintaining the same transmission rate as its predecessor. However, it introduced a feature that changed Bluetooth forever: the ability for one device to add and connect automatically to another without the need for a PIN or similar authentication.
• Bluetooth 3.0: This version was released in 2009 and was often used alongside the term HS for High Speed. It brought a significant improvement in the transmission rate, which could be up to 24 Mbps.
• Bluetooth 4.0: Released in 2010, this version is notable for addressing the high battery consumption issue through the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy. It maintained a transfer rate of 24 Mbps and started being used in smaller, less powerful devices due to its low power consumption.
• Bluetooth 4.1: Introduced in 2013, this version targeted the Internet of Things (IoT) world by facilitating connections between small devices without intermediaries.
• Bluetooth 4.2: This update, released in 2014, implemented the IPv6 protocol to enable direct Internet connections.
• Bluetooth 5.0: Introduced in mid-2016, it marked a significant advancement by doubling the transfer rate, quadrupling the range, and optimizing energy consumption for IoT devices. This version also enabled greater data transfer per message, with a transfer rate of up to 50 Mbps and a range of up to 240 meters.
• Bluetooth 5.1: It was launched in 2019 with a focus on location services, allowing devices to pinpoint the location of other connected devices within inches. Additionally, it introduced the capability to identify the direction of incoming signals.
• Bluetooth 5.2: Also known as Bluetooth LE Audio, it was released in the early 2020s. This standard improves sound quality and energy efficiency for audio devices using the Low Complexity Communication Codec (LC3). The codec efficiently compressed and decompressed transmitted data, enabling audio to be simultaneously streamed to multiple devices.
• Bluetooth 5.3: This version was announced in July 2021 but didn’t become available until May 2022. It offers lower energy consumption, reduced interference in connections, enhanced security, and improved quality, depending on the required bandwidth.
• Bluetooth 5.4: Launched in November 2023, this version focuses on enhancing the security and efficiency of Bluetooth Mesh networks, especially for business applications such as connecting with various devices using electronic tags with PAwR technology and EAD encryption.
• Bluetooth 6.0: Announced in September 2024, this version enables improved accuracy in calculating the distance between devices, can transmit larger data sizes in smaller packets, thereby improving efficiency and more.

When Will Bluetooth 6.0 Be Released?

No specific date has been announced for the release of Bluetooth 6.0, although the version is ready. As such, the first devices with this technology should be available in the next few months.

Image | Brad Wilmot

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