iOS 6 to include new AirPlay standard that creates its own network

Aug 29, 2012 09:01 GMT  ·  By

Apple plans to debut a new version of its AirPlay wireless streaming feature alongside the next-generation iPhone and iOS 6, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the sources said Apple’s AirPlay wireless music streaming technology is getting a leg up this year by allowing customers to simply beam their music over to any compatible speaker or hi-fi, without requiring a local Wi-Fi network.

The replacement protocol would be Bluetooth 4.0, which draws very little power and features increased signal range – up to 50 meters / 160 feet).

AirPlay 2.0, or “AirPlay Direct,” as it is currently referred to internally, will reportedly debut alongside the next-generation iPhone. The iPhone 5 itself is expected to launch with iOS 6, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system.

Currently, Apple’s AirPlay technology lets you wirelessly stream what’s on your iOS device to your HDTV and speakers via Apple TV.

You can use it to mirror what’s on your display to the big screen, and the standard also works with some AirPlay-enabled products from the likes of Pioneer, Denon, and many others.

“AirPlay lets you stream music throughout your entire house — wirelessly,” Apple says. “AirPlay wireless technology will be fully integrated into speaker docks, AV receivers, and stereo systems from companies such as Bowers & Wilkins and Denon. So you can enjoy your entire iTunes library — every song and every playlist — in any room and anytime,” reads the company’s description.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Apple late last year told accessory manufacturers that it had plans to expand the MFI (Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad) Program for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Confirmed at a conference called “MFI Technology Summit 2011” in Shenzen, China, the initiative targeted more than 2,000 members of the MFI Program.

Attendees learned that they would be handed a new chip that makes MFI devices and iOS devices speak the same language, and Apple touted Bluetooth 4.0 as a key technology to help these efforts.