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What is Spatial Audio? Know the technology behing this new revolution

Since 2020 September, Apple's Spatial Audio was introduced with iOS 14 in and has evolved a fair amount over time. It’s Apple's answer to Dolby Atmos for Headphones and Sony's 360 Reality Audio, creating for the virtual 3D surrounds sound effect in the stereo pair of headphones. It virtualizes an audio mix that surrounds you, making it seem you are in the heart of the action.

Uniquely though, it also uses tracking hardware in Apple devices, such as the AirPods (in 3rd Generation), AirPods Pro or AirPods Max headphones, to track a head in real-time along with the position for the iPad and iPhone. This enables it to place the audio effect realistically depending on where you look and turn.

How does Spatial Audio work?

Spatial Audio enables to hear three-dimensional audio from supported videos that follow the movement of your iPhone and iPad. It effectively recreates for the cinema-style experience, where sounds appear to be coming from all around you - front, behind, from the side, even above your head. In order to do this, Spatial Audio uses the 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos mixes from a compatible film and video, applies directional audio filters and adjusts the frequencies relayed to each ear. Finally, when Spatial Audio is turned on and you are watching for supported film and video, if you turn your head and move your device, the dialogue you hear remains with the actor and action on the screen.

How about Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos?

Spatial Audio for movies and TV shows, Apple now offers Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos music tracks on Apple Music. These have been remixed to include multiple channels around and above and give the impression that you are sitting in the middle for recording studio or live concert. As with movies, it gives the impression of channels through regular stereo headphones, although in this case requires dedicated Dolby Atmos music mixes. There are thousands of songs available in Spatial Audio. When played through headphones, listeners hear music coming from all around them. It will also eventually extend to Dolby Atmos systems and soundbars, including the Sonos Arc. Nevertheless, it does not seem to be supported at present.

In terms of what headphones are compatible, all Apple and Beats headphones with the H1 or W1 chip support the new surround mixes when played through an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple TV. Nevertheless, so too do any decent headphones. To listen on your separate headphones you need to head to Settings > Music > Dolby Atmos and switch it to "Always On". This only works with Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is regular movie or TV Spatial Audio is still an Apple device exclusive. You can also hear it coming through the internal speakers for iPad, iPhone, MacBook Pro and HomePod, although it defeats the object somewhat to listen to Dolby Atmos audio through an iPhone's stereo speakers. Apple TV 4K will also play Dolby Atmos through a compatible TV and AV receiver.

How to get Spatial Audio

There is a couple for things of need to experience Spatial Audio. Firstly, you will need the AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd Generation) and latest Beats headphones. You will then need an iPhone 7, later and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen) or later, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air (3rd gen) and later, iPad (6th gen) and later, iPad mini (5th gen and later). You will also need iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 and later or AV content from a supported app. If an app supports 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos then it’ll work with Spatial Audio. Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music works automatically, although you will need to switch it to ‘Always On’ in Settings > Music > Dolby Atmos if you use third-party headphones.

How do you turn Spatial Audio on or off?

To turn Spatial Audio on, follow the steps such as:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on Bluetooth
3. Find your AirPods (3rd Generation), AirPods Pro or AirPods Max
4. Tap on the "i" next to your headphones
5. Scroll down and toggle on Spatial Audio
6. You can also tap on 'See and Hear How It Works' for a quick demo comparing it to stereo audio

How do you control Spatial Audio?

When you're watching for the compatible video or film on your iPhone, AirPods Pro, iPad with your AirPods (3rd Generation) and AirPods Max, here is how to control Spatial Audio and check if it is on:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen  and up from the bottom, depending on your iPhone or iPad model to open the Control Centre
2. Press and hold the volume control button
3. Another screen will appear where you will be able to see the Spatial Audio icon
4. Tap it once to turn it on/off. It’s blue when on and black when off.
5. If the sound waves are pulsing around the person's head in the icon, Spatial Audio is on. If they aren’t moving but the icon is blue, Spatial Audio is on but not active for the content you are listening to.