The future of BLE: Auracast, Channel Sounding and the next innovations

This article is part of our series about [Bluetooth](/performance/system integration) Low Energy. You can find the comprehensive guide here: The ultimate guide to [BLE](/services/system integration) App Development in Germany (2026)

♪ The future of BLE: Auracast, Channel Sounding and the next innovations

Date: 04. June 2026 |

Bluetooth Low Energy is not static technology. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is constantly working on developing the standard and adding new features that enable completely new applications. In this article we take a look at the most exciting innovations that will shape the future of BLE: Auracast, Bluetooth Channel Sounding and the innovations that come with Bluetooth 6.0.

Auracast: The Revolution of Audio Broadcasting

Auracast is a groundbreaking feature based on the new LE audio standard. It allows to transfer audio from a transmitter to an unlimited number of receivers. Imagine: In an airport you can hook up with your headphones into the audio stream of the departure displays. In a gym, choose the soundtrack of the course you visit. In a museum you can hear the audio guide in your language directly on your own earphones.

Potenzial: Auracast will revolutionize public spaces by allowing personalized audio experiences and drastically improving accessibility for people with hearing disabilities (keyword: Assistive Listening).

Bluetooth Channel Sounding: Precise distance measurement

Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a new function that allows high precision measurement of distance between two devices – with an accuracy in the centimeter range. This goes far beyond the existing possibilities of signal strength measurement (RSSI) and opens up completely new fields of application.

Potential:

• Safe access control: Doors open only if the authorized smartphone or keychain is really in close proximity, which prevents relay attacks.

• Precise asset tracking: The location of objects becomes even more accurate and reliable.

• "Find My" functions: Finding lost objects is raised to a new level.

• Industrial applications: Geofencing and safety zones in factories can be defined with highest precision.

Bluetooth 6.0: The next big step

With Bluetooth 6.0, the standard will make a jump forward again. The expected innovations include:

• Improved energy efficiency: Even longer battery life for IoT devices through optimized radio protocols.

• Higher data rates: More bandwidth for data-intensive applications.

• Improved coexistence: Better performance in environments with many radio devices.

• Integration of Channel Sounding: The precise distance measurement becomes a core component of the