In September 2026, at the Bluetooth SIG BQTFG & BQPUG face-to-face meeting, SIG comprehensively updated core topics including testing standards and RF validation. As a BQTF that always keeps pace with SIG’s latest compliance requirements, we have distilled the key information that directly affects your product launch:

1. A New Era for Bluetooth: LEHDT (High Data Throughput) and Core 7.0

SIG is paving the way for the upcoming LEHDT technology. This technology will significantly increase the maximum data rate from 2 Mbps to 7.5 Mbps, supporting new application scenarios such as lossless audio and high-resolution data transmission.

Testing impact: This October, SIG will add two new test scopes: RFPHY:5 (LEHDT PHY transmitter/receiver tests) and LE Layers:4 (LEHDT link layer procedures).

Compliance note: With the arrival of TCRL pkg105 (expected to be released on October 27, supporting Core 7.0), test equipment and software versions (such as PTS 8.14.x) will need to be upgraded accordingly. We have begun test capability assessment and equipment updates to ensure we can provide comprehensive LEHDT testing services as soon as possible.

2. RF Hardware Changes: How to Avoid a Test Failure Rate as High as 40%

 SIG has released striking data: the first-time failure rate for RF testing is about 40%, of which 70%–90% can be traced back to RF component changes when customers integrate chips/SoCs onto new PCB boards.

Addressing the pain point: In the past, due to the lack of unified reference standards, many hardware fine-tuning changes (such as crystals, PAs, matching networks, filters, etc.) were mistakenly regarded as “not requiring re-certification.”

New SIG rules: SIG plans to add prompts in the Qualification Workspace (QWS) and release the Recommended RF Regression Testing Guide based on ES-29807. The guide details test cases recommended for retesting after different component changes (for example, changing the crystal requires retesting TRM/BV-06, -12, etc.).

Our service: Rather than facing the risk of being returned for retesting during formal submission, let us check for you at the R&D stage. Based on your hardware changes, we can provide pre-testing and engineering evaluation, greatly reducing your time and cost.

3. Comprehensive Intelligence in Tools and Processes

QWS roadmap: In addition to supporting TCRL pkg105 (Core 7.0) and pkg106 (2027), QWS will introduce an AI chat assistant, “Amber,” in the future to help users quickly find certification requirements.

BQC system upgrade: SIG is using AI to assist in rebuilding the exam question bank and has added a “whether assisted by a BQC” option in the submission process to regulate the quality of consultant services.

Membership application transparency: SIG reiterated three membership levels (Adopter free, Contributing Adopter from USD 3,500 per year, Associate from USD 11,250 per year) and clarified a one-time application fee of USD 250 (effective March 1, 2026), making the online application process faster.

To ensure product compliance and fully seize the market opportunities brought by Bluetooth technology upgrades (Core 7.0 and LEHDT), BTL calls on all customers to respond to the new SIG rules as early as possible. At the early stage of product planning and RF hardware changes (such as crystals, PAs, matching networks, etc.), be sure to conduct pre-testing and technical exchanges with BTL to avoid retesting risks during formal certification, and check whether your test equipment and software versions meet the latest TCRL requirements. You can contact BTL at any time to learn more about test preparation strategies for Bluetooth 7.0 and LEHDT.

As a Bluetooth BQTF-authorized laboratory and CNAS-accredited laboratory, BTL has served thousands of Bluetooth product companies, providing one-stop services to improve certification efficiency and help you seize certification opportunities amid new Bluetooth technologies and stricter regulatory changes.