If you’re looking to elevate your audio experience, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is the perfect solution. With the WWDC 2021 presentation, Apple Music introduced Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which immerses you in a 360-degree sound experience, making it feel like you’re in the center of the action. In this article, we will guide you through the process of activating Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on your iPhone.
Make sure your device runs on iOS/tvOS 14.6 or later or macOS 11.4 or later to use Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. In addition, ensure that Apple Music is installed on your device. Follow the step-by-step guide below to enable Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio on your iPhone.
How to Activate Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos in iPhone
Step 1: Update your Device and Install Apple Music
- Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS, especially if you haven’t upgraded to iOS 15 yet, since Spatial Audio benefits are built-in with this update.
- Ensure that your Apple Music subscription is up-to-date, as you need it to activate all the Dolby Atmos functionalities. These features won’t be available without a subscription.
- For Mac users, make sure you have the most recent version of macOS installed.
Step 2: Confirm that Your Headphones Support Dolby Atmos
- Check if your headphones or earphones support Dolby Atmos to take advantage of the Spatial Audio feature. If you own older headphones, they may not support it.
- For the best experience, use one of Apple’s latest headphone products, such as AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or the third-generation AirPods.
- Although using the built-in speakers on newer iPhones and iPads to appreciate Spatial Audio is possible, headphones provide a much better experience.
Step 3: Select Your Spatial Audio Settings
- If you have an Apple Music subscription, you don’t need to pay extra to use Spatial Audio. Ensure that the settings match your headphones and that they are turned on correctly.
- Go to the Settings app on your device, choose Music, and look for the Audio section. If you’re using Android, find the options in the Settings section of the Apple Music app.
- In the Dolby Atmos section, you’ll see two important options: Automatic and Always On. If you’re using one of Apple’s headphones, turn on Automatic and ensure Spatial Audio is enabled whenever possible.
- If your headphones support Dolby Atmos but aren’t from Apple, select Always On to enable Spatial Audio benefits.
- Activate the Download in Dolby Atmos option in the Music section to download songs with Dolby Atmos capabilities.
Step 4: Find Dolby Atmos Music
- You need Dolby Atmos-compatible songs to experience the full benefits of Spatial Audio. If you’re interested in streaming music, explore the Spatial Audio playlists and recommendations in the Browse section of the Apple Music app.
- If you’re looking to buy new songs, look for the Dolby Atmos logo in the download window. Albums with this logo are compatible with Spatial Audio.
- While playing a song, you’ll see a small icon next to the playback controls that indicates the song features Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.
FAQs
Q1: What are the requirements to use Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos?
A1: Your device must run iOS/tvOS 14.6 or later or macOS 11.4 or later. You must also have a compatible set of headphones and an Apple Music subscription.
Q2: Can I use Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on my Mac?
A2: Yes, you can use it on your Mac. Just make sure you have the most recent macOS version installed.
Q3: Do I need Apple headphones to use Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos?
A3: No, any headphones that support Dolby Atmos can use some of the Spatial Audio features. However, for the full benefits of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, you need AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or third-generation AirPods.
Q4: Do I have to pay extra to use Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos?
A4: No, with an Apple Music subscription, you don’t have to pay anything extra to use Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
Final Comments
By enabling Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on your iPhone, you can immerse yourself in a more real and dynamic audio experience. Spatial Audio provides a 360-degree sound that surrounds you and makes you feel like you’re in the center of the action. Share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful.
