Google Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro could support higher fidelity Bluetooth Audio option

9to5Google has discovered a code change within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) that could point towards Bluetooth LE Audio support for the Pixel 7 series. As the screenshot below shows, a Googler asked a question about 'p22/p23a' in relation to Bluetooth LE Audio codec settings. For reference, 'p22' refers to all flagship Pixel smartphones released in 2022, currently only confirmed to be the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. As it stands, there have only been rumours about a potential Pixel 7 Ultra and no confirmation from Google, nor any concrete leaks either.

Additionally, 'p23a' is short for Pixel A-series smartphones due in 2023. Based on Google's recent mid-range releases, only the Pixel 7a will arrive next year; the company dropped an XL model following the Pixel 3a XL. Next year's mid-range option could still be a larger smartphone though, as was the case with the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5a. Seemingly, both 'p22' and 'p23a' are compatible with a 'higher quality' or 'higher bandwidth' Bluetooth LE Audio option, which Google has not shipped with Android 13 yet.

It remains to be seen what form this 'higher quality' or 'higher bandwidth' could take. Potentially, these names could be Google's way of referring to Bluetooth LC3, a codec that offers superior audio fidelity than SBC while commanding less power to do so. Presumably, Google will reveal more information when it reveals the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro fully. While the company teased the pair in May at I/O 2022, it is not anticipated to launch either until October. Based on Google's announcement at I/O 2022, the Pixel Watch could join the Pixel 7 series at a hardware launch event, which could occur as early as October 6.

Purchase the Google Pixel 6a on Amazon