Apple Music needs 'Connect' for audiophile streamers

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Level 2

179 points

Apple Music needs 'Connect' for audiophile streamers

I picked up a never used Wiim Pro Plus used for cheap for my main music system (Yamaha, KEF, Oppo, etc.) This device is pretty amazing for the money, even new. I heard things and details I have never heard before, all while lounging on my couch.

It has ALL the streaming services and their “connect” ability. I got a two month Qobuz trial for free so I am using that.

Why has Apple not, finally, seen the light, and created a true (not AirPlay and not Control Other Speaker) “Connect” for Apple Music for uses on superb streaming devices like this one?

I think they are missing an opportunity to capture the audiophile market and, therefore, the ears of all the audiophile wannabes. Apple actually did this with design, publishing, and music in its early days and, well, the rest is history. All those cool people in those industries using Macs. It made the company. Jobs knew this.

Apple Music needs a connect lossless like option on at least the top streaming platforms. (They kind of do this already with car brands, Sonos, and some TVs!) So Wiim, BlueSound, Yamaha, PS Audio, KEF, SVS, Emotiva, Roon, and any more top streamer makers. Then, move to Sony, and the rest.

The question is why? I think the usual answer of it being a business or “control” decision is now past. That battle was lost long ago. But there is a chance here to make more money from streaming by being more open.

This is how silly it is now: I Airplay to a 13 year old Airport Express v2 (that is all it does now), and run a Toslink to the Toslink on the Wiim and then out to my amp via RCA. All to get a measly 16/44.1 lossless Apple Music quality. But I can also play lossless up to 24/192 (but 24/96 is fine) Qobuz or Tidal or Spotify Connect directly on the Wiim and control it from those apps on my iPhone.

iPhone 17 Pro

Posted on Dec 12, 2025 9:42 AM

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Answer 1

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

59,912 points

Dec 12, 2025 10:00 AM in response to Ataraxy01

You would need to send feedback to Apple:

Feedback - Apple Music - Apple

Nobody here can answer a "why" question and you would even have to wonder if any would even care about it or be able to detect any difference. From the reviews I have read on the Connect feature, it requires a high end speaker setup that most are not even interested in investing in and there is little difference for the average user. The true audiophile is not streaming any music, so you are looking at a very niche market. But, sending your feedback to Apple would still be appropriate to let them know how you feel.

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Answer 2

Dec 12, 2025 10:54 AM in response to Ataraxy01

Ataraxy01 wrote:

– I did feedback too but, it is a bit like barking at the wind.

It's definitely more effective than asking "why" questions here.

But the question is still why does Apple ignore this feature while every single competitor added it because of consumer, not audiophile, demand?

As noted, no one here in this user-to-user forum can answer that question for you.

It is a problem Apple needs to address.

That's why you tell Apple.

I own Apple stock. I have used Apple computers and products since 1986. I used Apple Music since back when it was called MOG.

I've used Apple computers since the early eighties. I started using iTunes when it was still SoundJam. That and about five dollars will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

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Answer 3

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

59,912 points

Dec 12, 2025 11:24 AM in response to Ataraxy01

Ataraxy01 wrote:

I own Apple stock.

I do too, and for that reason alone you should be thanking Apple for every single move they have made. A simple $1,000 investment in Apple stock in 1986 is now worth $1.5 million dollars. Heck even a $1,000 investment in 2000 would be worth around $250,000 with reinvested dividends and stock splits.

If you think Tidal is the answer, maybe look at what they have done with their stock price where it was $0.034 in March of 2021 and now sitting at $0.000011. Not exactly a model I would be looking to replicate.

I think Apple had done just fine for me and that was not from being a "me too" company or whimpering in any corner.

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Answer 4

Ataraxy01 Author

Level 2

179 points

Dec 12, 2025 10:49 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

I was expecting this kind of reply.

– First, yikes, you really know nothing about audiophiles at all. I would never comment on dental implants or snake wrangling because I know nothing about them! Advice to heed.

– High end speakers are not needed to play back hi-res lossless music. I have a pair of lowest end KEFs I got on close out. Also, used “high end” speakers can be found that are cheaper and better than my low ends. Specs and how they sound are all any one person should look at. Make no assumption about audio devices.

– Audiophiles marvel at how regular folks(?) think audiophiles play nothing but records and reel to reel tapes. Eh, no. Streaming hi-res lossless is now the highest quality music fidelity out there. Connect-less Apple included. Sure, some (anyone, including a very not audiophile friend) really like the sound of a record or CD but, for the penultimate, a convenient or “connect” streaming to a really transparent device like the Wiim Pro Plus (cheap too), is the way to go.

– I did feedback too but, it is a bit like barking at the wind.

But the question is still why does Apple ignore this feature while every single competitor added it because of consumer, not audiophile, demand? Also, it has a lot less to do with what a system is capable of or what people can or cannot hear. I just mentioned all that stereo stuff because, it is a way for Apple to penetrate more into a high income (and many mid and low income wannabe) customer base.

If a person has a low end (what ever that is) system, and likes streaming AAC lossy to it via a future Apple Connect and then visits a friend with a better system and is shocked to hear (well mixed and engineered recorded) music like never before, they will see that person is using a Wiim or Bluesound or Musiccast, etc. system and playing Tidal, Qobuz, etc. and not Apple Music.

It is a problem Apple needs to address.

I own Apple stock. I have used Apple computers and products since 1986. I used Apple Music since back when it was called MOG. I have a dog in this fight. It is my company called Apple. But they are whimpering in the corner. Why?!

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Answer 5

Ataraxy01 Author

Level 2

179 points

Dec 12, 2025 11:43 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Oh, Hey Idris, I was expecting you too. What took you so long?

– Indeed, asking why anywhere is just part of the process of answering any question in life.

– I guess your second point is valid except, even you cannot be sure. I have seen former Apple employees chime in and they often divulge why something is the way it is.

– I never used Apple until the Mac and, I do not drink coffee.

Have a happy holiday season!

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Answer 6

Dec 12, 2025 11:49 AM in response to Ataraxy01

Ataraxy01 wrote:

– I guess your second point is valid except, even you cannot be sure. I have seen former Apple employees chime in and they often divulge why something is the way it is.

I can be fairly sure as I get my information from current Apple employees. Former Apple employees are just users like the rest of us. Their speculation is not permitted any more than yours or mine.

Have a happy holiday season!

And the same to you.

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Answer 7

Ataraxy01 Author

Level 2

179 points

Dec 12, 2025 1:04 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Let me simplify it for you. It is like Tezla selling a car with no windshield wipers or no radio or no turn signals. It is really that simple.

Adopting a common technical convenience for music playback controlled from the streaming app but processed from a device (like Apple TV does!) is not an impingement on Apple's stock performance. If anything, it would do little to change it as the stock market uses more witchcraft than anything else to determine value. But it might bring on more users and, in time, help the company stay afloat in the future when Leon Tusk's brain implants linked to AI alter us all into strangers in a strange land.

I wanted to buy Apple at 32 in the early 2000s but was broke! I saw many students with little white boxes. I knew something was up with Apple and it was a time to buy. I think I would have made a few million by now if I had been able to execute. Later in life, I got it, after all the splits, for a decent price and have made some money off it. But nothing like I would have at 32 a share then.

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