A History of Bluetooth and Its Versions
Bluetooth is a widely used wireless technology developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG). It enables seamless data transfer between devices without the need for cables, operating effectively within a range of 1 to 100 meters. Impressively, a single Bluetooth device can connect to up to seven other devices simultaneously.
Today, Bluetooth technology is integrated into a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, headphones, and more. On smartphones, for instance, Bluetooth allows users to share files such as images, videos, music, and other data with ease.
The origins of Bluetooth trace back to 1989 when it was first conceptualized by Nils Rydbeck and Johan Ullman. The name "Bluetooth" itself comes from the nickname of Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king who ruled Denmark from 958 to 970 AD.
Over the years, Bluetooth technology has continuously evolved. The journey began with version 1.0, which laid the foundation for subsequent improvements. So, what are the different types of Bluetooth based on their versions? Let’s dive into the details.
1. Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B

The earliest versions of Bluetooth technology, 1.0 and 1.0B, faced significant developmental challenges. These versions were plagued with numerous issues, making it difficult for manufacturers to integrate the technology into their products effectively.
As a result, Bluetooth 1.0 is often regarded as underdeveloped and lacked the robustness necessary for practical use.
2. Bluetooth 1.1
Bluetooth 1.1 addressed many of the problems seen in its predecessor. It introduced several enhancements and adhered to the IEEE 802.15.1-2002 standard.
3. Bluetooth 1.2
Bluetooth 1.2 brought significant improvements over its predecessors. This version offered faster transmission speeds, reaching up to 721 Kbps that makes data transfer quicker and more efficient. Additionally, it introduced faster device discovery, allowing users to connect to other Bluetooth devices with less delay.
4. Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

Released in 2004, Bluetooth 2.0 introduced Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) technology, significantly boosting data transfer speeds. Although EDR supports speeds up to 3 Mbps, the practical maximum transfer rate for this version is 2.1 Mbps. This upgrade made Bluetooth more suitable for transferring larger files and improved overall efficiency.
5. Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Three years later, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR was launched to enhance both security and user experience. This version introduced Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), making the pairing process more seamless and secure.
It also included Extended Inquiry Response (EIR), a feature that allows users to view information about a device before initiating a connection. Additionally, EIR helps reduce power consumption, especially in low-power mode, making this version more energy-efficient.
6. Bluetooth 3.0 + HS

Bluetooth 3.0 + HS, released in 2009, took connectivity to the next level. The "HS" stands for High Speed, utilizing 802.11 link technology for faster data transfer.
One of the standout features of this version was the introduction of Alternative MAC/PHY (AMP), which supports 802.11 links to further accelerate data transfer speeds.
With a maximum speed of up to 24 Mbps, this version of Bluetooth was a game-changer for transferring large files quickly and efficiently.
7. Bluetooth 4.0 + LE

Next up is Bluetooth 4.0 + LE, also known as Bluetooth Low Energy. This version laid the groundwork for the technology in later updates. The biggest advantage of Bluetooth 4.0 + LE is its low energy usage, which makes it ideal for saving battery or electricity on devices.
First introduced in June 2010, this version offers a wide range of up to 100 meters. It also provides a transfer speed of up to 1 Mbps and better security controls compared to earlier versions.
8. Bluetooth 4.1
Released in 2013, Bluetooth 4.1 is designed to be more power-efficient. Devices with this version can automatically turn the Bluetooth connection on or off based on the device's power settings, helping to save energy.
Previous versions of Bluetooth sometimes experienced interference from other wireless technologies, like 4G LTE signals. However, Bluetooth 4.1 introduced improvements to reduce these issues. This version was officially launched on December 4, 2013.
9. Bluetooth 4.2
Almost a year after Bluetooth 4.1, version 4.2 was launched with even better speed and security.
This version is said to be 2.6 times faster than its predecessor, making it great for transferring files quickly. The added security features also make it a safer choice for users.
10. Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 was introduced on June 16, 2016. This version is designed to ensure secure communication with minimal interference, making it more reliable than earlier versions.
One of the main focuses of Bluetooth 5.0 is its support for the growing Internet of Things (IoT) technology. It also brings major improvements, including a wider range, faster data transfer speeds, and the ability to handle larger data sizes.
For branding purposes, this version is often referred to as "Bluetooth 5," dropping the ".0" from its name (unlike Bluetooth 4.0).
11. Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth 5.1 was launched in January 2019. Similar to its predecessor, this version is designed to offer secure communication with minimal interference, particularly for IoT devices.
While it retains the features of Bluetooth 5.0, it introduces a new capability: the ability to detect the direction of a signal. This is achieved using two methods: Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD).
These methods involve one device pointing its antenna to transmit data, while the other device uses its antenna to determine the direction the signal is coming from.
Another improvement in Bluetooth 5.1 is the optimization of the Generic Attributes (GATT) feature. This reduces synchronization time with target devices, speeding up the connection process and improving data transmission efficiency.
12. Bluetooth 5.2
Released in 2020, Bluetooth 5.2 focuses on enhancing Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) features. This version introduces three standout features: LE Audio, LE Power Control, and Enhanced Attribute Protocol (EATT).
LE Audio brings high-quality audio with low energy use, thanks to a new codec called Low Complexity Communications Codec (LC3). This technology ensures excellent audio quality even at lower data rates.
LE Audio also supports features like multi-language audio streaming and better functionality for Bluetooth hearing aids, which need efficient power usage.
LE Power Control is a smart feature that allows devices to communicate if the signal strength is too high or too low. The connected device can then adjust its transmission power to optimize the connection.
Enhanced Attribute Protocol (EATT) improves the way Bluetooth handles data. It allows multiple applications to send data simultaneously without having to wait for each other, reducing latency and making data transfer faster and smoother.
13. Bluetooth 5.3
Released in July 2021, Bluetooth 5.3 introduced features to make connections more efficient and secure. The Connection Subrating feature helps devices switch seamlessly between low and high power modes, saving battery life.
Another feature, Channel Classification Enhancement, improves connection stability by avoiding crowded frequency channels. Additionally, the Periodic Advertisement Interval allows devices to adjust how often they send signals, making communication more efficient.
Bluetooth 5.3 also enhances security with Encryption Key Size Control, giving devices better control over encryption key sizes to ensure safer connections.
14. Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth 5.4, launched in February 2023, includes features tailored for IoT applications. One of these is Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR), which supports periodic data exchanges between devices. This is ideal for devices that need consistent communication.
It also introduces Encrypted Advertising Data, which protects sensitive information, and the LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic, allowing users to set security levels before accessing device attributes.
Another upgrade, Advertising Coding Selection, gives devices better control over coding when using LE-coded PHY, enhancing overall efficiency.
15. Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 6.0, released in August 2024, brings significant updates for modern applications. One of its key features is Bluetooth Channel Sounding, which enables highly accurate distance measurements—down to the centimeter level. This makes it perfect for tracking and positioning tasks.
The Monitoring Advertisers feature notifies devices when other devices of interest enter or leave their range. Improvements to the Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) allow for larger data transfers with lower latency, making communication faster and smoother.
Lastly, the Frame Space Update replaces fixed intervals between data packets with adjustable ones, optimizing data transfer speeds and throughput.
Those are the types of Bluetooth based on their versions. The Bluetooth technology included in devices varies, and as technology evolves, newer devices often come with higher Bluetooth versions.
These updates make Bluetooth more efficient, secure, and versatile, supporting a wide range of modern applications from IoT to precise tracking.