Apple AirPlay supports 24-bit lossless audio but you can't use it

If AirPlay is limited to 16-bit CD-quality streams, how is the HomePod able to use AirPlay at a better-than-CD 24-bits?

What is AirPlay 2? How it works, and what speakers and devices support it

Apple Music is Getting 24-bit/192kHz. Here's How to Play It. – Apos

How to Listen to Lossless Audio on Apple Music

4 Steps to Getting Lossless Audio Music From AppleTV

How to Actually Listen to Lossless Tracks on Apple Music

New Apple TV 4K and hi-res lossless - Apple Community

Apple Music Lossless & AirPlay · Issue #1205 · mikebrady/shairport-sync · GitHub

Apple Music lossless: which devices will (and won't) play lossless and Spatial Audio

iOS 14.6 allows users to AirPlay songs on Apple Music in Lossless from iPhone to HomePod - 9to5Mac

can i listen to lossless on my windows pc… - Apple Community

Apple Music lossless & high-res streaming - how will it be handled? - Music - dCS Community

Apple to do lossless streaming?, Page 2

Does Wireless Car Play can handle Hi res… - Apple Community

Hands-On: Apple Music Lossless and High-Res Lossless