Mike Peterson
Apple's new iOS 15 and macOS Monterey updates contain a feature that allows users to simulate Spatial Audio for non-Dolby content.
Spatial Audio is a new Apple Music feature that allows users to hear music recorded with Dolby technology in simulated 3D space. However, for content that wasn't recorded with Dolby Atmos, there appears to be an alternative.
As spotted by a Redditor on Monday, there's a new "Spatialize Stereo" toggle in the volume controls in Control Center. The feature doesn't deliver true three-dimensional sound, but it will simulate the experience of having audio coming from different directions.
The "Spatialize Stereo" feature requires iOS 15, iPadOS 15 or macOS Monterey and a pair of AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. It works with a range of content, including videos in Photos or songs on Spotify. However, some apps — like YouTube — won't work.
Apple's iOS 15 update is currently in beta, and should release to the public sometime in the fall.
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Malcolm Owen
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
8 Comments
Something funny happened today.
I was listening to the Zane Lowe Spacial Audio introduction and I could hear a nice difference!!
Later I read you need iOS 14.6 to actually enable Dolby Atmos. 🤦♂️
As an audio engineer I understand there WILL BE a noticeable difference because of how tracks are mixed but it isn’t real Atmos. Can’t wait to upgrade and hear the real thing!
I found a playlist that kept getting updated with songs that supported Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, but on checking the actual songs locally, they just had the "Apple Digital Master" logo.
I wonder if this is region-specific.
What is the difference between Spatial Audio and Atmos? I thought Spatial Audio was virtualising sound coming from the front or from the device; and Atmos was the virtualisation of “3D” sound. So would it be possible to have Spatial Audio without Atmos when listening to Music? When watching movies on an iPhone I get Spatial Audio (sound coming from the front) but not Atmos (when will we get that)?
Where is this feature on MacOS Monterey?
Correct. Atmos is sound objects in 3d space, sound above to the right, behind to the left etc.
My understanding is that Spacial Audio is sound coming from a certain direction/device, so if you wear APP and turn your head the sound still comes from the correct direction and place.
If you sit facing the TV all the time then Atmos is more important I think.