New Bluetooth 6.1 Specifications adds randomized RPA updates for improved privacy and power efficiency

Bluetooth 6.1 is the latest core specification adopted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), mainly introducing a new feature called Randomized Resolvable Private Address (RPA) Updates. This boosts privacy by randomizing the timing of Bluetooth address changes, making device tracking significantly harder, and improves power efficiency by offloading address updates to the controller, reducing energy use and extending battery life.

Apart from that, there are mainly small fixes like requiring “Pause Encryption” in secure connections. This is because the Bluetooth SIG now follows a twice-a-year update schedule. The update is aimed at devices like wearables, smartphones, and IoT gadgets that need low power use and better privacy. While no major chip makers have added support yet, the new feature helps improve privacy and battery life. Bigger upgrades like Bluetooth LE HDT with speeds up to 7.5 Mbps are expected in version 6.2 or later.

All in all, Bluetooth 6.1 adds one new feature, plus a few small fixes like making “Pause Encryption” required when using encryption. The full spec and details on Randomized RPA Updates are available on the Bluetooth website. So far, no major chip makers have added support yet, but it’s expected to change in the upcoming months. More information can be found on the Randomized RPA Updates VSr02_PR page.

The new specs have been brought to our attention by CNX-Software, and according to the author, Bluetooth LE HDT (High Data Throughput) with speeds up to 7.5 Mbps was expected to be part of this release, especially since it is already supported in Ceva-Waves Links200 IP. However, this feature seems to be delayed and is now likely to appear in Bluetooth 6.2 or possibly Bluetooth 7.0, as it involves a major upgrade to the standard.

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