Apple Music Lossless can consume up to 2.9GB of mobile data per hour
Apple estimates that Lossless audio uses about six times more data than High Quality, while Hi-Res Lossless can consume substantially more again.
Apple Music’s higher-quality audio settings can quickly use mobile data, particularly for listeners streaming Hi-Res Lossless over a capped plan.
Apple estimates that one hour of playback uses about 120MB in High Quality, 720MB in Lossless and up to 2.9GB in Hi-Res Lossless. The figures are planning estimates rather than fixed consumption rates, with usage varying according to the recording, network conditions and playback equipment.
High Quality uses 256kbps AAC, while Lossless uses Apple Lossless Audio Codec, or ALAC, which preserves the original audio data. Standard Lossless reaches 24-bit/48kHz, while Hi-Res Lossless extends to 24-bit/192kHz and may require an external digital-to-analogue converter.
At the estimated Lossless rate, listening for one hour a day would use about 21.6GB over 30 days. The same habit at the upper Hi-Res Lossless estimate would approach 87GB, although actual consumption will not be identical for every session.
Apple introduced Lossless audio to Apple Music in 2021. The company recommends using High Quality for cellular streaming, reserving Lossless for Wi-Fi or downloading music in advance.
The benefit also depends on the listening setup. Bluetooth connections do not deliver lossless audio, while headphones, speakers and listening conditions can limit the audible difference. Hi-Res Lossless playback above 48kHz on an iPhone requires an external DAC.
