For years, Apple’s iPhone and iPad have delivered smooth performance but fallen flat for serious listeners. The problem? Bluetooth audio. With no native support for high-quality codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive, even flagship headphones from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser are forced to rely on SBC — the ancient, bandwidth-starved codec that throttles sound quality. It’s a deliberate move by Apple to keep users inside the AirPods ecosystem, but for those who prefer better-sounding alternatives, the arrival of Questyle’s new QCC and QCC Pro dongles finally changes the game.
Suffice it to say, SBC still leaves a lot to be desired. Sure, it’s improved over the years — stability is far better than it was back in the Bluetooth 4.2 era — but it remains a lossy codec that can’t hold a candle to aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, or Sony’s LDAC. There’s hope that Apple will eventually embrace Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec, but for now, support is inconsistent at best. Auracast isn’t on the table yet, and users report mixed results when trying to connect headphones via LC3.
That was the state of things as 2025 rolled in. Apple users were stuck choosing between two compromises: living with SBC or settling for AAC — a codec that’s only marginally better and still very much lossy.
Questyle QCC and QCC Pro: Finally, High-Res Bluetooth for Apple Devices
That picture looks very different in late 2025. Brands like Sennheiser, Creative, and Questyle have stepped up with compact Bluetooth transmitters that plug directly into USB-C ports, unlocking modern wireless codecs for older computers and smartphones. After testing all three, it’s clear each brand had a specific target in mind: Sennheiser’s dongle is designed to enhance its own headphones, while Creative’s model caters to Windows users — lacking an Apple or Android app at press time.
Questyle’s QCC and QCC Pro, however, go straight for the Apple crowd. Both are built to give iPhone and iPad owners access to high-quality Bluetooth standards they’ve long been denied. The only difference between the two models is codec support — the Pro version adds Sony’s LDAC, which requires a licensing fee and bumps the price from $59 to $99.
Both the Questyle QCC and QCC Pro are impressively compact — roughly 2.5 cm long, 1 cm front-to-back, and 1 cm tall including the USB-C connector — and weigh next to nothing. Once attached, they sit flush against the phone’s bottom edge, adding no real bulk and holding firmly enough that they won’t loosen during normal use.
The only potential snag comes from phone cases. Thicker cases can prevent the dongle from seating fully, though all of the iPhones in our household — except my daughter’s Stitch-themed Disney case — fit fine without issue. That one required removing the case entirely to get a proper connection.
Each dongle includes a small LED below the USB port. While it functions in either orientation, it’s best to plug it in with the LED facing the screen so you can see both the light and the app simultaneously. The LED also acts as a codec indicator: red for LDAC or aptX Adaptive, white for legacy aptX variants, and blue when connected via SBC.
Codec Support, Game Mode, and Connectivity
Both the QCC and QCC Pro support aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and SBC, while the Pro version adds LDAC for those who want the highest possible quality. The Questyle Control app makes it simple to select your preferred codec and instantly see which one is active — a welcome touch for users who like to verify they’re getting full-resolution playback instead of being stuck with SBC.
There’s also a Game Mode, which reduces latency for smoother synchronization between audio and visuals. However, enabling it disables bi-directional support, meaning you can’t take calls or use a headset mic while in this mode. The device briefly disconnects when switching modes, so expect a quick pause before the connection re-establishes.
Questyle includes a USB Type-A to Type-C adapter in the box for compatibility with older computers. While my Dell laptop recognized the dongle immediately, it stopped short of success — identifying it correctly, then promptly declaring that no driver was available.
The Questyle QCC series carries both Snapdragon Sound certification and Apple MFi approval, ensuring reliable performance with iPhones and iPads — but Windows compatibility isn’t part of the deal. If that’s your use case, Creative’s BT-W6 is the better option.
With the targets set, testing began using an iPhone 15 (with Apple Music) and an iPhone 17 (running Qobuz), paired with a lineup of wireless in-ears and headphones: Bowers & Wilkins Px8, Sony XM6, Sennheiser Accentum, Bose Ultra Buds Gen 2, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 in-ears.
The Px8, Bose Ultra, and Momentum 4 all connected using aptX Adaptive, while the Accentum linked via aptX HD, which is its highest supported codec. The Sony XM6 paired over LDAC when using the Pro dongle and defaulted to SBC with the base model — exactly as expected.
The Bottom Line
With the QCC and QCC Pro, Apple users can finally enjoy wireless audio on par with Android and Windows — without being forced into another piece of Apple hardware. For most listeners, the $59 base model is an easy choice, while the $99 QCC Pro makes sense for those using Sony gear and wanting LDAC support. Questyle has built a reputation for clever, audiophile-grade portable gear, and the QCC Pro earns its spot on our 2025 Best Accessories list for iPhone Users.
Pros:
- Adds AptX Adaptive and legacy AptX codecs to iPhone and iPad (base model)
- LDAC support on the Pro model for Sony and hi-res users
- Compact and featherlight — practically invisible when attached
- Secure fit and doesn’t loosen easily
- Questyle app is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate
Cons:
- No drivers for Windows or macOS — iOS-only compatibility
- Thick phone cases may prevent full USB-C connection
- Minor battery drain when left plugged in
- Game Mode disables mic support during use
Where to buy:
- QCC Pro –
$119$99 at Amazon | Questyle - QCC – $59 at Bloom Audio
For more information: Questyle Bluetooth Dongles
Related Reading:
- Creative BT-W6 Bluetooth Transmitter Review: Can It Bring Hi-Res Wireless Audio To Your Old Laptop?
- IFi GO Blu Air Review: A Pocket-Sized Bluetooth Dongle DAC That Punches Headphones Into Shape
- WTF Is A Bluetooth LE Transmitter And Why You Might Want To Hold Off On Replacing Your Devices
- LDAC, AptX, AAC, SBC: Which Bluetooth Codec Ruins Your Music The Least?
