Spatial audio inside Apple Music will get dynamic head tracking later this year, Apple has confirmed. The feature promises an even more immersive experience by adjusting sound based on your movements.
The confirmation comes just as Apple rolls out spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and lossless music for Apple Music subscribers.
Spatial audio delivers a “multidimensional experience that goes beyond just listening to music and makes you feel like you’re inside of it,” Apple says. It’s like listening to music in deep, expansive surround sound.
The feature makes a real difference to your music — one that’s you’ll actually notice — and later this year, it’s going to get even better.
Dynamic head tracking coming to Apple Music
“We are excited to announce that spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is coming to Apple Music in the fall,” reads Apple’s updated support document on spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support.
“Dynamic head tracking creates an even more immersive experience for spatial audio. It brings music to life by delivering sound that dynamically adjusts as you turn your head.”
So, that surround sound experience changes in real time. Sounds that are in front of you when you start playing a track will rotate to your side when you look over your shoulder, or behind you when you turn around.
To enjoy dynamic head tracking, you’ll need to play supported Dolby Atmos tracks on an iPhone or iPad while using AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. Sadly, the feature is not supported on standard AirPods models.
Spatial audio and lossless tracks available now
That’s because dynamic head tracking relies on a gyroscope and accelerometer to detect your movements. These technologies aren’t yet baked into standard AirPods or Beats headphones.
Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and high-resolution lossless tracks are available now inside Apple Music. You can enjoy them at no extra cost on supported devices — so long as you have the right headphones.
