FiiO 2026: A Look Ahead at This Year’s DAP Releases

The launch plan for the Digital Audio Players (DAPs) to be released by FiiO in 2026 has been revealed. In a post on Chinese social media, FiiO’s founder and CEO, James Chung, explained how the company intends to introduce its new DAP lineup this year. According to him, FiiO will place greater emphasis on Digital Audio Players that do not run Android, adopting an operating system developed internally by the company.

Which Android DAPs will be released in 2026?

The only Android-based DAPs to be released in 2026 will be the FiiO M25 and its variant, the M25 R2R. As the FiiO M33, which also uses Google’s operating system, will be launched before the end of FiiO’s 2025 fiscal year (March 31), it is considered a “2025” release.

FiiO M25 Android Digital Audio Player

The new FiiO M25 DAP is the successor to the M15S and will feature the AKM AK4499 DAC, which adopts a delta-sigma architecture. The M25 R2R is a variant that will employ a discrete R2R DAC developed in-house by FiiO. According to James, the choice between the two can be made as follows:

• FiiO M25: for those seeking maximum sonic fidelity.
• FiiO M25 R2R: for those who prefer a warmer timbre with a focus on vocals.

According to James, the M25 R2R uses FiiO’s “R2R PRO” technology, which delivers sound quality that is considerably superior to that of the K11 R2R and K13 R2R desktop DAC/amps.

Both the M25 and the M25 R2R will employ a System on Chip (SoC) based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series, the same platform used in the FiiO M27.

The release of the FiiO M25 and FiiO M25 R2R is scheduled for July 2026.

SnowSky Echo Nano Digital Audio Player

The SnowSky Echo Nano is a Digital Audio Player whose design was inspired by Sony Walkman models featuring the “perfume bottle” form factor, such as the NW-A608.

One of the most striking aspects of this product is its extremely low weight and compact size, which even allow it to be worn around the neck if desired. According to James, the Echo Nano will support 24-bit/192 kHz audio files and will feature circuitry developed with a strong focus on high-fidelity performance.

SnowSky DISC PRO Digital Audio Player

An enhanced version of the SnowSky DISC, which was recently launched in mainland China, will also be introduced. According to James, the SnowSky DISC PRO will offer higher output power and more advanced functionality.

The CD player–style design with a round display will be retained. Furthermore, according to FiiO’s CEO, the DISC PRO will not replace the DISC, but will be positioned at a higher price point.

The release of the SnowSky DISC PRO is scheduled for November 2026.

New JadeAudio Android Digital Audio Player

Still unnamed, the new JadeAudio Digital Audio Player will run Android and will be powered by a SoC based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 platform. Its design will follow a retro aesthetic, paying homage to a historically significant audio device, and its form factor will be based on the FiiO JM21.

The release of the new JadeAudio Android DAP is scheduled for October 2026.

SnowSky Echo PRO Digital Audio Player

The SnowSky Echo PRO will maintain the compact design and lightweight chassis of the Echo Mini, while also offering an affordable price. According to James, the new DAP will be “powerful in terms of functionality” and will feature a “creative design.”

The Echo PRO is scheduled for release in August 2026.

FiiO M21T Portable Digital Audio Transport (DAT)

The FiiO M21T is a portable digital audio transport that was originally planned for release in 2025. However, with the objective of creating a device that would be truly professional in every aspect, FiiO’s engineering team decided to postpone its launch. Its form factor will be based on the FiiO M21 DAP.

The sole function of the FiiO M21T is music playback, and it must be connected to an external DAC or an external DAC/amp. According to James, this model is aimed at a very small and specialized audience, and its development relied on precise user feedback. It was conceived as a “gift” to long-time FiiO users.

Basic configurations and functions of the FiiO M21T (temporary name):

• Qualcomm 680 main processor.
• 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage.
• 4.7-inch LCD display with 720p resolution.
• Two USB-C ports: one dedicated to USB audio output (USB AUDIO) and another exclusively for power supply, eliminating the need to repeatedly connect and disconnect the same cable.
• 3.5 mm coaxial/optical digital output, with an IIS output interface.
• Volume adjustment buttons (although, for a digital transport, this is a feature that could be considered unnecessary and potentially removable).
• Track selection and playback control buttons.
• Single TF card slot with support for up to 2 TB.
• 4,000 mAh internal battery, providing more than 20 hours of operating time.
• High-intensity internal circular magnet, compatible with various types of portable DACs or magnetic headphone amplifiers.
• Fully aluminum alloy chassis.

At present, the hardware design of the M21T has already been finalized, and its release is scheduled for June 2026, according to James.