New HDMI 2.2 breaks all limits: 96Gbps, 16K and seamless audio

The HDMI Forum has officially announced HDMI 2.2, the next evolution of the ubiquitous display standard, and it’s a leap forward in both speed and visual fidelity. Revealed on June 25, 2025, the new specification introduces a staggering 96Gbps maximum bandwidth—double that of HDMI 2.1—and support for resolutions up to 16K at 60Hz and 12K at 120Hz.

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What’s new in HDMI 2.2?

• Ultra96 branding: A new label to help consumers identify HDMI 2.2-compatible cables and devices. Ultra96-certified cables will support 64Gbps, 80Gbps or the full 96Gbps bandwidth.
• 16K and 12K resolution support: HDMI 2.2 enables uncompressed video at 16K/60Hz and 12K/120Hz, with full 4:4:4 chroma and 10- or 12-bit color depth.
• Latency Indication Protocol (LIP): A new feature designed to improve audio-video sync across complex setups involving AV receivers, soundbars or multiple signal hops.
• Backward compatibility: HDMI 2.2 cables will still work with HDMI 2.1 and earlier devices, though at reduced performance levels.

While 16K displays are still years away from mainstream adoption, HDMI 2.2 is a futureproofing move, ensuring that the next generation of TVs, monitors, gaming consoles and AV receivers can handle ultra-high resolutions, faster refresh rates and richer color formats. It also simplifies cable shopping: if it says Ultra96, it’s ready for the future.

When to expect HDMI 2.2 devices

Although the spec is finalized, HDMI 2.2-certified products and cables aren’t available yet. Manufacturers are expected to begin rolling out compatible hardware later in 2025 or early 2026, with Ultra96 cables joining the HDMI Cable Certification Program. Could this be the answer to China’s new GPMI cable?

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