Bose has finally joined the Auracast party, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the first Bose cans to support the audio-sharing technology. A firmware update labeled 10.12.12 is rolling out now, adding Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast as beta features alongside improved audio over wired USB connections. The move puts Bose among the most recognizable names in headphones to embrace a standard that’s been around since 2022 but has struggled to catch on.
The update has been quietly rolling out over the past few weeks. Bose is calling the features beta, which means the company is still testing how the tech holds up in the wild.
What Auracast Actually Does
Auracast lets a device broadcast Bluetooth audio to any number of supported headphones or speakers at the same time. That means a single speaker can pipe a live announcement to everyone in the room who has the right headphones. Or a performer can send their setlist to the crowd without needing individual cables.
The technology was officially announced back in 2022, but adoption has been slow. Only a few major manufacturers include Auracast, and only on select headphones or earbuds. The list includes Sony, JBL headphones, Samsung Galaxy Buds, and Sennheiser, which also released an Auracast transmitter this year. Some smaller companies, like EarFun, have added support too.
But Bose is one of the most recognizable names in headphones, so the fact that it’s finally jumping in is big news for Auracast.
Why Bose Matters Here
Bose’s entry matters because the company has spent decades building a reputation on quiet comfort and sound quality. Its QuietComfort line is one of the most trusted names in noise-cancelling headphones. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the flagship of that line, and they are now the first Bose cans to support Auracast.
The company has not announced a full rollout timeline beyond saying it plans to bring the technology to more devices soon. For now, the beta label means the feature is live but untested at scale.
The Update at a Glance
The 10.12.12 firmware update does more than add Auracast. It also improves audio over wired USB connections, including balance for gaming audio and chat, and better compatibility for web conferencing apps.
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Auracast | Beta, rolling out |
| Bluetooth LE Audio | Beta, rolling out |
| Improved USB audio | Included |
The update is labeled as beta, which means the company is still testing how the tech holds up in the wild. That is a reasonable approach for a standard that has been slow to catch on.
Who Else Supports Auracast
The list of manufacturers that support Auracast is small but growing. Sony, JBL, Samsung, and Sennheiser all offer devices that work with the technology. Sennheiser even released an Auracast transmitter this year, which suggests the company sees the standard as a meaningful part of its product strategy.
EarFun is also on the list of companies that have added support. The smaller manufacturer shows that the standard is not limited to the biggest names in audio.
The fact that Bose is now on this list changes the conversation.
What the Technology Can Be Used For
The applications for Auracast are varied. Gate announcements while waiting at the airport, a performance at a local venue, and a college lecture are all examples of how the technology could be used.
The technology could also be used at home. You could use Auracast to watch TV while kids are asleep, or for extra hearing assistance. Some Samsung and LG TVs have the functionality buried in their menus.
The examples show that Auracast is not just a novelty for audiophiles. It has practical uses in everyday life, from public spaces to private homes.
The Slow Adoption Problem
Auracast was officially announced back in 2022, but the technology has not taken off the way some expected. The reasons are complex, but the core issue is simple: few devices support it, so there is little incentive to build for it.
Bose’s entry gives the technology a shot at mainstream relevance. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the first Bose headphones to support this underrated Bluetooth tech, and that fact alone is likely to push other brands to follow.
What Comes Next
Bose has not announced a full rollout timeline beyond saying it plans to bring Auracast to more devices soon. The beta label means the company is still testing how the tech holds up in the wild. That is a reasonable approach for a standard that has been slow to catch on.
For now, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the place to start. The firmware update is rolling out now, and anyone with those headphones can check for the 10.12.12 version to see if it is available.
The company’s spokesperson, Tim Williams, told The Verge via email that the QC Headphones (Gen 2) should get the beta firmware next.
The Verdict on Bose’s Move
Bose’s decision to support Auracast is a win for consumers. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are a flagship model, and adding a beta feature like Auracast shows the company is willing to experiment with new technologies.
The technology has been around for years, but it has struggled to find a foothold. Bose’s entry gives it a shot at mainstream relevance.
The beta label means the feature is live but untested at scale. That is a reasonable approach for a standard that has been slow to catch on.
The fact that Bose is one of the most recognizable names in headphones finally embracing Auracast is big news for the technology. The company has spent decades building a reputation on quiet comfort and sound quality, and its entry into Auracast signals that the standard is worth taking seriously.
The update is rolling out now, and anyone with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 can check for the 10.12.12 version to see if it is available. The company plans to bring Auracast to more devices soon, though it has not announced a full timeline beyond the beta label.
For now, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the first Bose headphones to support this underrated Bluetooth tech.
Source material: “Bose starts adding Auracast to its headphones,” The Verge.
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