Netflix Rolling Out Spatial Audio Support

[MacRumors]

Netflix is rolling out support for Spatial Audio on the iPhone and the iPad, based on reports shared by MacRumors readers and on Reddit. A Netflix spokesperson also confirmed to MacRumors that the rollout is underway.

When playing compatible content in Netflix, Spatial Audio will be available as an option in the Control Center on iPhone and iPad for those running iOS 14 and iOS 15.

Watching Netflix content with Spatial Audio requires the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max.

Spatial Audio may not be immediately available to all users as it is still in the process of being released. Available for music and video content, Spatial Audio is designed to create an immersive audio experience by using directional filters to make sound feel as if it's coming from multiple directions at once.

Apple says that Spatial Audio creates a movie theater-like experience that takes advantage of the gyroscope and accelerometer in the iPhone, iPad, and compatible Apple headphones.

iOS 15 users can also access a Spatialize Stereo option for content that is not compatible with Spatial Audio, something that works in the Netflix app.

Article Link: Netflix Rolling Out Spatial Audio Support

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Nice! Good stuff. Is it the same as Apple’s version?

 

[atiffarooq]

Just tried and it's working for me. Great news!

 

[johnsc3]

Just tried and it's working for me. Great news!

Going to try it when I get home.

 

[aesc80]

Surprised they didn't add this feature as an upgrade to the highest tier. Oh snap ... I think I spoiled the ending.

 

[hvfsl]

I hope they support other headphones at some point as my Sony's WH-1000X support spatial audio as well and they are a lot more popular than the AirPods Max at least.

 

[jimbobb24]

Great news. Thanks Netflix

 

[hobspain]

Hoping this will be implemented also on the AppleTV 4K.

 

[shady825]

Just tried and it's working for me. Great news!

Do you see any kind of icon on shows like how you’ll see a “4K” badge or something like that? Or do you just have to try it on different shows/movies?

EDIT: Working for me on breaking bad. No icon or any indication that the show supports it but it’s for sure working.

 

[SpringKid]

This was a nice surprise, sounds sooo much better. 😌

 

[SpringKid]

Do you see any kind of icon on shows like how you’ll see a “4K” badge or something like that? Or do you just have to try it on different shows/movies?

EDIT: Working for me on breaking bad. No icon or any indication that the show supports it but it’s for sure working.

Shouldn't it be supported automatically on all movies with surround sound?

 

[ediks]

Nice! Good stuff. Is it the same as Apple’s version?

yes, exactly the same

 

[JeffPerrin]

Great! Next can we get a switch to turn off preview autoplay on tvOS??

 

[WiseAJ]

Surprised they didn't add this feature as an upgrade to the highest tier. Oh snap ... I think I spoiled the ending.

They would if they could.

 

[trip1ex]

stereo still good enough

 

[r1216]

Do you see any kind of icon on shows like how you’ll see a “4K” badge or something like that? Or do you just have to try it on different shows/movies?

If the show is encoded in multichannel audio, it'll work since the app knows it - there won't be a badge in the app, but you can check it in Control Center by holding down on the volume bar and checking - it'll say "Multichannel" with the Netflix app icon since that's what's coming through.

 

[neoelectronaut]

Might see if I can track down a hard plastic replacement for those gel bits on the end of the airpods pro.

 

[Techwatcher]

Nice. Tempting me to subscribe to Netflix. AirPods Pro is such an awesome device. Got all my value out of these. Even use them for meetings at work.

 

[kiensoy]

Netflix has the best app on all platforms. Puts to shame all other big companies with their crappy apps.

 

[philotas]

Why does it say that this feature needs "AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max"?

Is it because it because Netflix already does head tracking with those headphones? Apple Music is supposed to support head tracking by fall if I remember right.

So why isn't Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos not available for other headphones?

 

[mattykkk123123]

DO I need the highest tier plan for Netflix to access this? CHEERS

 

[MacManiac76]

Great! Next can we get a switch to turn off preview autoplay on tvOS??

You can turn it off in your account settings on the Netflix website.

 

[sahni130]

I might be crazy but I can't seem to tell the difference between Spatial and not on the AirPods Pro. I'll try again LOL.

 

[hammie14]

It’s working for me in the UK 😀

I might be crazy but I can't seem to tell the difference between Spatial and not on the AirPods Pro. I'll try again LOL.

Try watching something and then turn your head 90* left and then 180* left, you should here the audio change as you are moving you head!

It’s definitely and improvement for myself when listing to spatial audio on my AirPod Pro‘s

 

[hammie14]

Why does it say that this feature needs "AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max"?

It’s due to the face the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have additional hardware to track the movement of your head. Other headphones like the AirPods do not have the hardware to support head tracking!