Editing Bluetooth (section)

== Specifications and features ==
{| class="wikitable floatright mw-datatable"
|+Bluetooth versions
! colspan="2" |Version
! rowspan="2" |Adoption year
! rowspan="2" |Radio frequency
! colspan="2" |Maximum rate
! rowspan="2" |Max range
|-
!Major
!Minor
!Classic
!Low energy
|-
! rowspan="3" |1
!1.0
|1999
| rowspan="16" |2.4&nbsp;GHz
|732.2 kbit/s
|N/A
|10 m
|-
!1.1
|2001
|732.2 kbit/s
|N/A
|10 m
|-
!1.2
|2003
|1 Mbit/s
|N/A
|10 m
|-
! rowspan="2" |2
!2.0
|2004
|2.1 Mbit/s
|N/A
|10 m
|-
!2.1
|2007
|2.1 Mbit/s
|N/A
|10 m
|-
!3
!3.0
|2009
|24 Mbit/s
|N/A
|10 m
|-
! rowspan="3" |4
!4.0
|2009
|3 Mbit/s
|1 Mbit/s
|60 m
|-
!4.1
|2013
|3 Mbit/s
|1 Mbit/s
|60 m
|-
!4.2
|2014
|3 Mbit/s
|1 Mbit/s
|60 m
|-
! rowspan="5" |5
!5.0
|2016
|50 Mbit/s
|2 Mbit/s
|240 m
|-
!5.1
|2019
|50 Mbit/s
|2 Mbit/s
|240 m
|-
!5.2
|2020
|50 Mbit/s
|2 Mbit/s
|240 m
|-
!5.3
|2021
|50 Mbit/s
|2 Mbit/s
|240 m
|-
!5.4
|2023
|50 Mbit/s
|2 Mbit/s
|240 m
|-
! rowspan="2" | 6
!6.0
|2024
|?
|3 Mbit/s
|300 m
|-
!6.1
|2025
|?
|?
|?
|}
The specifications were formalized by the [[Bluetooth Special Interest Group]] (SIG) and formally announced on 20 May 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluetooth.com/about-us/our-history|title=Our History|publisher=Bluetooth.com|access-date=24 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525083558/https://www.bluetooth.com/about-us/our-history|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2014 it had a membership of over 30,000 companies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/members/introduction-to-membership |title=English Introduction to Membership |website=Bluetooth.org |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626122249/https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/members/introduction-to-membership |archive-date=26 June 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was established by [[Ericsson]], [[IBM]], [[Intel]], [[Nokia]] and [[Toshiba]], and later joined by many other companies.

All versions of the Bluetooth standards are [[Backward compatibility|backward-compatible]] with all earlier versions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kohls.com/media/digital/ecom/pdfs/pdf/Bluetooth_Compatibility_Guide_May_2015.pdf |title=Compatibility guide |date=2016 |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228212138/https://www.kohls.com/media/digital/ecom/pdfs/pdf/Bluetooth_Compatibility_Guide_May_2015.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Bluetooth Core Specification Working Group (CSWG) produces mainly four kinds of specifications:
* The Bluetooth Core Specification{{dash}}typically released every few years
* Core Specification Addendum (CSA)
* Core Specification Supplements (CSS){{dash}}can be released more frequently than Addenda
* Errata{{dash}}available with a Bluetooth SIG account: [https://www.bluetooth.com/log-in?btorgReturnURL=/errata/index.cfm?_ga=1.184939692.467079692.1485266743 Errata login])

=== Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B ===

* Products were not interoperable.
* Anonymity was not possible, preventing certain services from using Bluetooth environments.<ref>{{cite web|date=2007|title=BlueTooth|url=http://blue-tooth.50webs.com/bluetooth1_and_1.0b.html|access-date=25 October 2021|website=BlueTooth|archive-date=14 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214234923/http://blue-tooth.50webs.com/bluetooth1_and_1.0b.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Bluetooth 1.1 ===
* Ratified as [[IEEE 802.15#IEEE 802.15.1: WPAN / Bluetooth|IEEE Standard 802.15.1–2002]]<ref>{{Cite book|doi=10.1109/IEEESTD.2002.93621 |isbn=978-0-7381-3335-5 |year=2002 |title=IEEE Standard for Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems – LAN/MAN – Specific Requirements – Part 15: Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) }}</ref>
* Many errors found in the v1.0B specifications were fixed.
* Added possibility of non-encrypted channels.
* [[Received signal strength indicator]] (RSSI)

=== Bluetooth 1.2 ===
Major enhancements include:
* Faster connection and discovery
* ''Adaptive [[frequency-hopping spread spectrum]] (AFH)'', which improves resistance to [[radio frequency interference]] by avoiding the use of crowded frequencies in the hopping sequence
* Higher transmission speeds in practice than in v1.1, up to 721&nbsp;kbit/s<ref name="Guy Kewney">{{cite web
|url=http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/629
|title= High speed Bluetooth comes a step closer: enhanced data rate approved
|author=Guy Kewney
|date=16 November 2004
|publisher=Newswireless.net
|access-date=4 February 2008
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115173504/http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/629
|archive-date=15 January 2018
}}</ref>
* Extended Synchronous Connections (eSCO), which improve voice quality of audio links by allowing retransmissions of corrupted packets, and may optionally increase audio latency to provide better concurrent data transfer
* [[Bluetooth protocols#Host/controller interface (HCI)|Host Controller Interface]] (HCI) operation with three-wire [[Universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter|UART]]
* Ratified as [[IEEE 802.15#IEEE 802.15.1: WPAN / Bluetooth|IEEE Standard 802.15.1–2005]]<ref>{{Cite book |doi=10.1109/IEEESTD.2005.96290 |isbn=978-0-7381-4708-6 |title=IEEE Standard for Information technology-- Local and metropolitan area networks-- Specific requirements-- Part 15.1a: Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) specifications for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)}}</ref>
* Introduced flow control and retransmission modes for {{abbr|L2CAP|Logical link control and adaptation protocol}}

=== Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR ===
This version of the Bluetooth Core Specification was released before 2005. The main difference is the introduction of an Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for faster [[Bit rate|data transfer]]. The data rate of EDR is 3{{nbsp}}Mbit/s, although the maximum data transfer rate (allowing for inter-packet time and acknowledgements) is 2.1{{nbsp}}Mbit/s.<ref name="Guy Kewney" /> EDR uses a combination of [[Gaussian frequency-shift keying|GFSK]] and [[phase-shift keying]] modulation (PSK) with two variants, π/4-[[DQPSK]] and 8-[[DPSK]].<ref name="bluetooth_specs">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=40560&ei=25GiT8L3CuTa0QGnmqDVDA&usg=AFQjCNGXY5pm4Tkju1KGs4dYRJLtd03FEg
|title=Specification Documents
|publisher=Bluetooth SIG
|access-date=3 May 2012
|archive-date=23 December 2018
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163507/https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=40560&ei=25GiT8L3CuTa0QGnmqDVDA&usg=AFQjCNGXY5pm4Tkju1KGs4dYRJLtd03FEg
|url-status=live
}}</ref> EDR can provide a lower power consumption through a reduced [[duty cycle]].

The specification is published as ''Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR'', which implies that EDR is an optional feature. Aside from EDR, the v2.0 specification contains other minor improvements, and products may claim compliance to "Bluetooth v2.0" without supporting the higher data rate. At least one commercial device states "Bluetooth v2.0 without EDR" on its data sheet.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.europe.htc.com/z/pdf/products/1766_TyTN_LFLT_OUT.PDF
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061012113727/http://www.europe.htc.com/z/pdf/products/1766_TyTN_LFLT_OUT.PDF
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=12 October 2006
|title=HTC TyTN Specification
|publisher=HTC
|access-date=4 February 2008
}}</ref>

=== Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR ===
Bluetooth Core Specification version 2.1 + EDR was adopted by the Bluetooth SIG on 26 July 2007.<ref name="bluetooth_specs" />

The headline feature of v2.1 is [[#Pairing|secure simple pairing]] (SSP): this improves the pairing experience for Bluetooth devices, while increasing the use and strength of security.<ref>{{cite web
|date=3 August 2006
|title=Simple Pairing Whitepaper
|version=Version V10r00
|publisher=Bluetooth SIG |url=http://bluetooth.com/NR/rdonlyres/0A0B3F36-D15F-4470-85A6-F2CCFA26F70F/0/SimplePairing_WP_V10r00.pdf
|access-date=1 February 2007
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061018032605/http://www.bluetooth.com/NR/rdonlyres/0A0B3F36-D15F-4470-85A6-F2CCFA26F70F/0/SimplePairing_WP_V10r00.pdf
|archive-date = 18 October 2006
}}</ref>

Version 2.1 allows various other improvements, including ''extended inquiry response'' (EIR), which provides more information during the inquiry procedure to allow better filtering of devices before connection; and sniff subrating, which reduces the power consumption in low-power mode.

=== Bluetooth 3.0 + HS ===
Version 3.0 + HS of the Bluetooth Core Specification<ref name="bluetooth_specs" /> was adopted by the Bluetooth SIG on 21 April 2009. Bluetooth v3.0 + HS provides theoretical data transfer speeds of up to 24&nbsp;Mbit/s, though not over the Bluetooth link itself. Instead, the Bluetooth link is used for negotiation and establishment, and the high data rate traffic is carried over a colocated [[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] link.

The main new feature is {{abbr|AMP|Alternative MAC/PHY}} (Alternative MAC/PHY), the addition of [[IEEE 802.11|802.11]] as a high-speed transport. The high-speed part of the specification is not mandatory, and hence only devices that display the "+HS" logo actually support Bluetooth over 802.11 high-speed data transfer. A Bluetooth v3.0 device without the "+HS" suffix is only required to support features introduced in Core Specification version 3.0<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=40560|title=Bluetooth Core Version 3.0 + HS specification|access-date=8 May 2011|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163602/https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=40560|url-status=live}}</ref> or earlier Core Specification Addendum 1.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.bluetooth.org/DocMan/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=174214|title= Bluetooth Core Specification Addendum (CSA) 1|access-date= 11 April 2018|archive-date= 23 December 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163555/https://www.bluetooth.org/DocMan/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=174214|url-status= live}}</ref>

; [[#Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol|L2CAP]] Enhanced modes: Enhanced Retransmission Mode (ERTM) implements reliable L2CAP channel, while Streaming Mode (SM) implements unreliable channel with no retransmission or flow control. Introduced in Core Specification Addendum 1.
; Alternative MAC/PHY: Enables the use of alternative [[Medium access control|MAC]] and [[PHY]]s for transporting Bluetooth profile data. The Bluetooth radio is still used for device discovery, initial connection and profile configuration. However, when large quantities of data must be sent, the high-speed alternative MAC PHY 802.11 (typically associated with Wi-Fi) transports the data. This means that Bluetooth uses proven low power connection models when the system is idle, and the faster radio when it must send large quantities of data. AMP links require enhanced L2CAP modes.
; Unicast Connectionless Data: Permits sending service data without establishing an explicit L2CAP channel. It is intended for use by applications that require low latency between user action and reconnection/transmission of data. This is only appropriate for small amounts of data.
; Enhanced Power Control: Updates the power control feature to remove the open loop power control, and also to clarify ambiguities in power control introduced by the new modulation schemes added for EDR. Enhanced power control removes the ambiguities by specifying the behavior that is expected. The feature also adds closed loop power control, meaning RSSI filtering can start as the response is received. Additionally, a "go straight to maximum power" request has been introduced. This is expected to deal with the headset link loss issue typically observed when a user puts their phone into a pocket on the opposite side to the headset.

==== Ultra-wideband ====
The high-speed (AMP) feature of Bluetooth v3.0 was originally intended for [[Ultra-wideband|UWB]], but the WiMedia Alliance, the body responsible for the flavor of UWB intended for Bluetooth, announced in March 2009 that it was disbanding, and ultimately UWB was omitted from the Core v3.0 specification.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39643174,00.htm
|title=Bluetooth 3.0 released without ultrawideband
|author=David Meyer
|date=22 April 2009
|publisher=zdnet.co.uk
|access-date=22 April 2009
|archive-date=19 September 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919213421/http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2009/04/22/bluetooth-30-released-without-ultrawideband-39643174/
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

On 16 March 2009, the [[WiMedia Alliance]] announced it was entering into technology transfer agreements for the WiMedia [[Ultra-wideband]] (UWB) specifications. WiMedia has transferred all current and future specifications, including work on future high-speed and power-optimized implementations, to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), [[Wireless USB]] Promoter Group and the [[USB Implementers Forum]]. After successful completion of the technology transfer, marketing, and related administrative items, the WiMedia Alliance ceased operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wimedia.org/ |title=Wimedia.org |publisher=Wimedia.org |date=4 January 2010 |access-date=4 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020426095418/http://www.wimedia.org/ |archive-date=26 April 2002 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wimedia.org/imwp/download.asp?ContentID=15506 |title=Wimedia.org |access-date=4 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323120814/http://www.wimedia.org/imwp/download.asp?ContentID=15506 |archive-date=23 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Press-Releases-Detail.aspx?ItemID=4 |title=bluetooth.com |access-date=29 January 2015 |archive-date=8 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208013350/http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Press-Releases-Detail.aspx?ItemID=4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usb.org/press/WiMedia_Tech_Transfer/ |title=USB.org |publisher=USB.org |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=4 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610211240/http://www.usb.org/press/WiMedia_Tech_Transfer/ |archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.incisor.tv/2009/03/what-to-make-of-bluetooth-sig-wimedia.html |title=Incisor.tv |publisher=Incisor.tv |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=4 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916054407/http://www.incisor.tv/2009/03/what-to-make-of-bluetooth-sig-wimedia.html |archive-date=16 September 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In October 2009, the [[Bluetooth Special Interest Group]] suspended development of UWB as part of the alternative MAC/PHY, Bluetooth v3.0 + HS solution. A small, but significant, number of former [[WiMedia Alliance|WiMedia]] members had not and would not sign up to the necessary agreements for the [[intellectual property|IP]] transfer. As of 2009, the Bluetooth SIG was in the process of evaluating other options for its longer-term roadmap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eetimes.com/bluetooth-group-drops-ultrawideband-eyes-60-ghz/|title=Bluetooth group drops ultrawideband, eyes 60 GHz|website=EETimes|date=29 October 2009|access-date=17 June 2021|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612021636/https://www.eetimes.com/bluetooth-group-drops-ultrawideband-eyes-60-ghz/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eetimes.com/report-ultrawideband-dies-by-2013/ |title=Report: Ultrawideband dies by 2013 |website=EETimes |date=4 May 2009 |access-date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=12 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612021648/https://www.eetimes.com/report-ultrawideband-dies-by-2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.incisor.tv/download.php?file=140november2009.pdf|title=Simon Stenhouse – Leech Attempt|website=incisor.tv |date=November 2009 |access-date=4 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034305/http://www.incisor.tv/download.php?file=140november2009.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|v4.0}}Bluetooth 4.0 ===
{{main|Bluetooth Low Energy}}

The Bluetooth SIG completed the Bluetooth Core Specification version 4.0 (called Bluetooth Smart) and has been adopted {{as of|2010|June|30|lc=y}}. It includes ''Classic Bluetooth'', ''Bluetooth high speed'' and ''[[Bluetooth Low Energy]]'' (BLE) protocols. Bluetooth high speed is based on Wi-Fi, and Classic Bluetooth consists of legacy Bluetooth protocols.

[[Bluetooth Low Energy]], previously known as Wibree,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.wibree.com/press/Wibree_pressrelease_final_1206.pdf |title=Wibree forum merges with Bluetooth SIG |date=12 June 2007 |publisher=Nokia |access-date=4 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229073516/http://www.wibree.com/press/Wibree_pressrelease_final_1206.pdf |archive-date=29 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a subset of Bluetooth v4.0 with an entirely new protocol stack for rapid build-up of simple links. As an alternative to the Bluetooth standard protocols that were introduced in Bluetooth v1.0 to v3.0, it is aimed at very low power applications powered by a [[Button cell|coin cell]]. Chip designs allow for two types of implementation, dual-mode, single-mode and enhanced past versions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/Press/SIG/SIG_INTRODUCES_BLUETOOTH_LOW_ENERGY_WIRELESS_TECHNOLOGY_THE_NEXT_GENERATION_OF_BLUETOOTH_WIRELESS_TE.htm |title=Bluetooth.com |publisher=Bluetooth.com |access-date=4 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221175650/http://www.bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/Press/SIG/SIG_INTRODUCES_BLUETOOTH_LOW_ENERGY_WIRELESS_TECHNOLOGY_THE_NEXT_GENERATION_OF_BLUETOOTH_WIRELESS_TE.htm |archive-date=21 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The provisional names ''Wibree'' and ''Bluetooth ULP'' (Ultra Low Power) were abandoned and the BLE name was used for a while. In late 2011, new logos "Bluetooth Smart Ready" for hosts and "Bluetooth Smart" for sensors were introduced as the general-public face of BLE.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/bluetooth-sig-unveils-smart-marks-explains-v4-0-compatibility-w/ |title=Bluetooth SIG unveils Smart Marks, explains v4.0 compatibility with unnecessary complexity |date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Engadget |access-date=24 August 2017 |archive-date=30 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230095852/https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/bluetooth-sig-unveils-smart-marks-explains-v4-0-compatibility-w/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Compared to ''Classic Bluetooth'', Bluetooth Low Energy is intended to provide considerably reduced power consumption and cost while maintaining a [[#Radio interface|similar communication range]]. In terms of lengthening the battery life of Bluetooth devices, {{abbr|BLE|Bluetooth Low Energy}} represents a significant progression.

* In a single-mode implementation, only the low energy protocol stack is implemented. [[Dialog Semiconductor]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dialog-semiconductor.com/bluetooth-low-energy|title=Dialog Semiconductor|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163430/https://www.dialog-semiconductor.com/bluetooth-low-energy|url-status=live}}</ref> [[STMicroelectronics]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.st.com/en/wireless-connectivity/bluenrg-1.html|title=BlueNRG-1 – Programmable Bluetooth LE 5.2 Wireless SoC |publisher=[[STMicroelectronics]] |access-date=24 March 2022 }}</ref> AMICCOM,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amiccom.com.tw/ |title=:::笙科電子-Amiccom |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825161057/http://www.amiccom.com.tw/ |archive-date=25 August 2013 }}</ref> [[CSR plc|CSR]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.csr.com/products/45/csr-energy |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120628214525/http://www.csr.com/products/45/csr-energy |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2012 |title=CSR.com |publisher=CSR |access-date=7 April 2011 }}</ref> [[Nordic Semiconductor]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/Bluetooth-R-low-energy/nRF8001 |title=Nordicsemi.com |publisher=Nordic Semiconductor |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402173736/http://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/Bluetooth-R-low-energy/nRF8001 |archive-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Texas Instruments]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/cc2540.html |title=TI.com |publisher=Texas Instruments |access-date=7 April 2011 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721114918/http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/cc2540.html |url-status=live }}</ref> have released single mode Bluetooth Low Energy solutions.
* In a dual-mode implementation, Bluetooth Smart functionality is integrated into an existing Classic Bluetooth controller. {{As of|2011|03}}, the following semiconductor companies have announced the availability of chips meeting the standard: [[Qualcomm Atheros]], [[CSR plc|CSR]], [[Broadcom]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-13-Inch-Mid-2011-Teardown/6130/1 |title=iFixit MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011 Teardown |date=21 July 2011 |publisher=iFixit.com |access-date=27 July 2011 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724072433/http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-13-Inch-Mid-2011-Teardown/6130/1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM20702 |title=Broadcom.com&nbsp;– BCM20702&nbsp;– Single-Chip Bluetooth 4.0 HCI Solution with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Support |publisher=Broadcom |access-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811125845/http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM20702 |archive-date=11 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Texas Instruments]]. The compliant architecture shares all of Classic Bluetooth's existing radio and functionality resulting in a negligible cost increase compared to Classic Bluetooth.

Cost-reduced single-mode chips, which enable highly integrated and compact devices, feature a lightweight Link Layer providing ultra-low power idle mode operation, simple device discovery, and reliable point-to-multipoint data transfer with advanced power-save and secure encrypted connections at the lowest possible cost.

General improvements in version 4.0 include the changes necessary to facilitate BLE modes, as well the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) and Security Manager (SM) services with [[Advanced Encryption Standard|AES]] Encryption.

Core Specification Addendum 2 was unveiled in December 2011; it contains improvements to the audio Host Controller Interface and to the High Speed (802.11) Protocol Adaptation Layer.

Core Specification Addendum 3 revision 2 has an adoption date of 24 July 2012.

Core Specification Addendum 4 has an adoption date of 12 February 2013.

=== {{Anchor|v4.1}}Bluetooth 4.1 ===
The Bluetooth SIG announced formal adoption of the Bluetooth v4.1 specification on 4 December 2013. This specification is an incremental software update to Bluetooth Specification v4.0, and not a hardware update. The update incorporates Bluetooth Core Specification Addenda (CSA 1, 2, 3 & 4) and adds new features that improve consumer usability. These include increased co-existence support for LTE, bulk data exchange rates—and aid developer innovation by allowing devices to support multiple roles simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Press-Releases-Detail.aspx?ItemID=197 |title=Press Releases Detail {{pipe}} Bluetooth Technology Website |publisher=Bluetooth.com |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=13 May 2014 |archive-date=23 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623092659/http://www.bluetooth.com/pages/press-releases-detail.aspx?itemid=197 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

New features of this specification include: 
* Mobile wireless service coexistence signaling
* Train nudging and generalized interlaced scanning
* Low Duty Cycle Directed Advertising
* L2CAP connection-oriented and dedicated channels with credit-based flow control
* Dual Mode and Topology
* LE Link Layer Topology
* 802.11n PAL
* Audio architecture updates for Wide Band Speech
* Fast data advertising interval
* Limited discovery time<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/specification/adopted-specifications |title=Adopted Specification; Bluetooth Technology Website |publisher=Bluetooth.com |date=4 December 2013 |access-date=14 May 2014 |archive-date=3 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003173654/https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/specification/adopted-specifications |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Some features were already available in a Core Specification Addendum (CSA) before the release of v4.1.

=== {{Anchor|v4.2}}Bluetooth 4.2 ===
Released on 2 December 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2014 |title=Specification of the Bluetooth System |url=https://www.bluetooth.org/docman/handlers/downloaddoc.ashx?doc_id=441541 |access-date=23 February 2023 |publisher=[[Bluetooth Special Interest Group]] |format=PDF}}</ref> it introduces features for the [[Internet of things]].

The major areas of improvement are:
* Bluetooth Low Energy Secure Connection with Data Packet Length Extension to improve the [[cryptographic protocol]]
* Link Layer Privacy with Extended Scanner Filter Policies to improve [[data security]]
* Internet Protocol Support Profile (IPSP) [[IPv6|version 6]] ready for Bluetooth [[smart devices]] to support the Internet of things and [[home automation]]
Older Bluetooth hardware may receive 4.2 features such as Data Packet Length Extension and improved privacy via firmware updates.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.redmondpie.com/bluetooth-4.2-announced-heres-what-is-new/ |title=Bluetooth 4.2 Announced: Here’s What Is New |publisher=Redmond Pie |last=Rehman |first=Zayed |date=4 December 2014 |access-date=13 December 2024 |archive-date=13 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213015652/http://www.redmondpie.com/bluetooth-4.2-announced-heres-what-is-new/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailytech.com/Bluetooth+42+Promises+Faster+Connections+Better+Security+to+Stop+Snooping/article36960.htm |title=Bluetooth 4.2 Promises Faster Connections, Better Security to Stop Snooping |publisher=[[DailyTech]] |last=Hatamoto |first=Michael |date=4 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207093853/http://www.dailytech.com/Bluetooth+42+Promises+Faster+Connections+Better+Security+to+Stop+Snooping/article36960.htm |archive-date=7 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|v5}}Bluetooth 5 ===
The Bluetooth SIG released Bluetooth 5 on 6 December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woolley |first=Martin |date=26 October 2017 |title=Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.0 Feature Enhancements |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Bluetooth_5-FINAL.pdf |access-date=23 February 2023 |website=bluetooth.com |edition=1.1.0}}</ref> Its new features are mainly focused on new [[Internet of Things]] technology. Sony was the first to announce Bluetooth 5.0 support with its [[Xperia XZ Premium]] in Feb 2017 during the Mobile World Congress 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mwc-2017-sony-launches-new-5g-ready-xperia-xz-series-top-notch-camera-717581|title=MWC 2017: Sony launches new 5G-ready Xperia XZ series with top-notch camera|website=IBT|date=27 February 2017|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003065556/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mwc-2017-sony-launches-new-5g-ready-xperia-xz-series-top-notch-camera-717581|url-status=live}}</ref> The Samsung [[Galaxy S8]] launched with Bluetooth 5 support in April 2017. In September 2017, the [[iPhone 8]], 8 Plus and [[iPhone X]] launched with Bluetooth 5 support as well. [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] also integrated Bluetooth 5 in its new [[HomePod]] offering released on 9 February 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/homepod/specs/|title=HomePod – Technical Specifications|website=Apple|access-date=29 January 2018|archive-date=13 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513062322/https://www.apple.com/homepod/specs/|url-status=live}}</ref> Marketing drops the point number; so that it is just "Bluetooth 5" (unlike Bluetooth 4.0);<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnx-software.com/2016/06/10/bluetooth-5-promises-four-times-the-speed-twice-the-range-of-bluetooth-4-0-le-transmissions/|title=Bluetooth 5 Promises Four times the Range, Twice the Speed of Bluetooth 4.0 LE Transmissions|last=cnxsoft|date=10 June 2016|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512044135/https://www.cnx-software.com/2016/06/10/bluetooth-5-promises-four-times-the-speed-twice-the-range-of-bluetooth-4-0-le-transmissions/|url-status=live}}</ref> the change is for the sake of "Simplifying our marketing, communicating user benefits more effectively and making it easier to signal significant technology updates to the market."

Bluetooth 5 provides, for [[Bluetooth Low Energy|BLE]], options that can double the data rate (2{{nbsp}}Mbit/s burst) at the expense of range, or provide up to four times the range at the expense of data rate. The increase in transmissions could be important for Internet of Things devices, where many nodes connect throughout a whole house. Bluetooth 5 increases capacity of connectionless services such as location-relevant navigation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450298598/Bluetooth-5-standard-brings-range-speed-and-capacity-boost-for-IoT|title=Bluetooth 5 standard brings range, speed and capacity boost for IoT|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=18 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618143744/http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450298598/Bluetooth-5-standard-brings-range-speed-and-capacity-boost-for-IoT|url-status=live}}</ref> of low-energy Bluetooth connections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluetooth.com/news/pressreleases/2016/06/16/-bluetooth-5-quadruples-rangedoubles-speedincreases-data-broadcasting-capacity-by-800|title=Bluetooth 5 Quadruples Range, Doubles Speed, Increases Data Broadcasting Capacity by 800% – Bluetooth Technology Website|website=bluetooth.com|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209055417/https://www.bluetooth.com/news/pressreleases/2016/06/16/-bluetooth-5-quadruples-rangedoubles-speedincreases-data-broadcasting-capacity-by-800|archive-date=9 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/06/bluetooth-5-spec-coming-next-week-with-2x-more-range-and-4x-better-speed/|title="Bluetooth 5" spec coming next week with 4x more range and 2x better speed [Updated]|date=10 June 2016|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=10 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610041359/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/06/bluetooth-5-spec-coming-next-week-with-2x-more-range-and-4x-better-speed/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/networking/bluetooth-5-everything-you-need-to-know-1323060|title=Bluetooth 5: everything you need to know|date=10 June 2016|access-date=11 June 2016|archive-date=5 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505011821/https://www.techradar.com/news/networking/bluetooth-5-everything-you-need-to-know-1323060|url-status=live}}</ref>

The major areas of improvement are:
* Slot Availability Mask (SAM)
* 2&nbsp;Mbit/s PHY for {{abbr|LE|Low Energy}}
* LE Long Range
* High Duty Cycle Non-Connectable Advertising
* LE Advertising Extensions
* LE Channel Selection Algorithm #2

Features added in CSA5 – integrated in v5.0:
* Higher Output Power

The following features were removed in this version of the specification:
* Park State<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bluetooth.org/DocMan/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=421043|title=Bluetooth Core Specification v5.0|website=bluetooth.org|format=PDF download|access-date=8 December 2016|archive-date=23 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223163509/https://www.bluetooth.org/DocMan/handlers/DownloadDoc.ashx?doc_id=421043|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== {{Anchor|v5}}Bluetooth 5.1 ===
The Bluetooth SIG presented Bluetooth 5.1 on 21 January 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woolley |first=Martin |date=28 January 2019 |title=Bluetooth Core Specification v5.1 |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/Files/Specification/1901_Feature_Overview_Brief_FINAL.pdf |access-date=23 February 2023 |website=bluetooth.com |edition=1.0.1 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The major areas of improvement are:
* [[Angle of arrival]] (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD) which are used for locating and tracking of devices
* Advertising Channel Index
* GATT caching
* Minor Enhancements batch 1:
** HCI support for debug keys in LE Secure Connections
** Sleep clock accuracy update mechanism
** ADI field in scan response data
** Interaction between {{abbr|QoS|Quality of service}} and Flow Specification
** Block Host channel classification for secondary advertising
** Allow the SID to appear in scan response reports
** Specify the behavior when rules are violated
* Periodic Advertising Sync Transfer

Features added in Core Specification Addendum (CSA) 6 – integrated in v5.1:
* Models
* [[Bluetooth mesh#Mesh models|Mesh-based model]] hierarchy

The following features were removed in this version of the specification:
* Unit keys

=== Bluetooth 5.2 ===
On 31 December 2019, the Bluetooth SIG published the Bluetooth Core Specification version 5.2. The new specification adds new features:<ref>{{cite web |last=Woolley |first=Martin |date=9 December 2020 |title=Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.2 Feature Overview |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bluetooth_5.2_Feature_Overview.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108105207/https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bluetooth_5.2_Feature_Overview.pdf |archive-date=8 January 2020 |access-date=8 January 2020 |website=bluetooth.com}}</ref>

* Enhanced Attribute Protocol (EATT), an improved version of the Attribute Protocol (ATT)
* LE Power Control
* LE Isochronous Channels
* [[Bluetooth Low Energy#Audio|LE Audio]] that is built on top of the new 5.2 features. BT LE Audio was announced in January 2020 at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] by the [[Bluetooth Special Interest Group|Bluetooth SIG]]. Compared to regular Bluetooth Audio, Bluetooth Low Energy Audio makes lower battery consumption possible and creates a standardized way of transmitting audio over BT LE. Bluetooth LE Audio also allows one-to-many and many-to-one transmission, allowing multiple receivers from one source or one receiver for multiple sources, known as Auracast.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/story/bluetooth-le-audio/|title=The New Version of Bluetooth Is Here to Fix Your Headphones|magazine=Wired|access-date=3 February 2020|issn=1059-1028|archive-date=26 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426154948/https://www.wired.com/story/bluetooth-le-audio/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/01/06/bluetooth-sig-debuts-le-audio/|title=Bluetooth SIG Announces 'LE Audio' With Audio Sharing, Lower Data Consumption, Hearing Aid Support and More|last=Clover|first=Juli|website=macrumors.com|date=6 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220134827/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/01/06/bluetooth-sig-debuts-le-audio/|url-status=live}}</ref> It uses a new [[LC3 (codec)|LC3 codec]]. BLE Audio will also add support for hearing aids.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://source.android.com/devices/bluetooth/asha|title=Hearing Aid Audio Support Using Bluetooth LE|website=Android Open Source Project|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220152923/https://source.android.com/devices/bluetooth/asha|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 July 2022, the Bluetooth SIG announced the completion of Bluetooth LE Audio. The standard has a lower minimum latency claim of 20–30 ms vs Bluetooth Classic audio of 100–200 ms.<ref>{{cite web |author=Scharon Harding |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/07/whats-bluetooth-le-audio-explaining-the-latest-wireless-tech-standard/ |title=What's Bluetooth LE Audio? Explaining the spec and what it means for wireless sound |publisher=Ars Technica |date=12 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref> At [[IFA Berlin|IFA]] in August 2023 Samsung announced support for [[Auracast]] through a software update for their [[Samsung Galaxy Buds series|Galaxy Buds2 Pro]] and two of their TVs.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Carrie Marshall |date=2023-08-30 |title=Samsung leaps ahead of Apple and adds game-changing Auracast Bluetooth to its 4K TVs and earbuds |url=https://www.techradar.com/televisions/your-samsung-earbuds-and-4k-tv-are-getting-a-huge-bluetooth-upgrade |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=TechRadar}}</ref> In October users started getting updates for the earbuds.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=SamMobile |last2=Shaik |first2=Asif Iqbal |date=2023-10-06 |title=Galaxy Buds 2 Pro get Bluetooth Auracast support with new update |url=https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-buds-2-pro-bluetooth-auracast-new-update/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=SamMobile}}</ref>

=== Bluetooth 5.3 ===
The Bluetooth SIG published the Bluetooth Core Specification version 5.3 on 13 July 2021. The feature enhancements of Bluetooth 5.3 are:<ref>{{cite web |last=Woolley |first=Martin |date=24 June 2021 |title=Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.3 Feature Enhancements |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bluetooth_5.3_Feature_Enhancements_Update.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730064958/https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bluetooth_5.3_Feature_Enhancements_Update.pdf |archive-date=30 July 2021 |access-date=17 September 2021 |website=bluetooth.com}}</ref>

* Connection Subrating
* Periodic Advertisement Interval
* Channel Classification Enhancement
* Encryption key size control enhancements

The following features were removed in this version of the specification:
* Alternate MAC and PHY (AMP) Extension

=== Bluetooth 5.4 ===
The Bluetooth SIG released the Bluetooth Core Specification version 5.4 on 7 February 2023. This new version adds the following features:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woolley |first=Martin |date=7 February 2023 |title=Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.4 |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2301_5.4_Tech_Overview_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209191214/https://www.bluetooth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2301_5.4_Tech_Overview_FINAL.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=23 February 2023 |website=bluetooth.com}}</ref>

* Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR)
* Encrypted Advertising Data
* LE {{abbr|GATT|Generic Attribute Profile}} Security Levels Characteristic
* Advertising Coding Selection

=== Bluetooth 6.0 ===
The Bluetooth SIG released the Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.0 on 27 August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-30 |title=Core Specification |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/specs/core-specification-6-0/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Bluetooth® Technology Website |language=en-US}}</ref> This version adds the following features:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-03 |title=Now Available: New Version of the Bluetooth Core Specification |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/now-available-new-version-of-the-bluetooth-core-specification/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Bluetooth® Technology Website |language=en-US}}</ref>

* Bluetooth Channel Sounding
* Decision-based advertising filtering
* Monitoring advertisers
* {{abbr|ISOAL|Isochronous Adaptation Layer}} enhancement
* LL extended feature set
* Frame space update

=== Bluetooth 6.1 ===
The Bluetooth SIG released the Bluetooth Core Specification version 6.1 on 7 May 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Delivering on the bi-annual release schedule: Bluetooth® Core 6.1 is here |url=https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/delivering-on-the-bi-annual-release-schedule-bluetooth-core-6-1-is-here/ |website=Bluetooth® Technology Website |publisher=Bluetooth SIG, Inc. |access-date=13 May 2025 |date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

* Increased device privacy
* Improved power efficiency