Apple TV is getting Dolby Atmos for F1 races, starting with the US Grand Prix in Austin this month.
So far, Apple’s F1 streams have been using 5.1 surround sound. Atmos should make engine roars feel far more immersive, provided your TV or audio system supports it.
Dolby Atmos for F1 debuts at Austin
Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional audio experience. Instead of limiting sounds to channels positioned around the listener, Atmos can place individual sounds within a virtual space, including overhead.
For an F1 race, that could make the roar of an engine, the rush of a passing car or the sounds of the pit lane feel more like they’re happening around you rather than simply coming from the TV speakers. That’s why Apple is adopting it, starting with the US Grand Prix in a few weeks.
The Austin weekend runs from October 22 to October 25, with the race taking place on the last day. But Apple hasn’t clarified if Atmos will cover practice or qualifiers, or just the race itself.
While Apple has reportedly framed Austin as the beginning of its Atmos plans, it’s unclear if every race after Austin will get the same treatment.
Making F1 coverage more exciting
Apple’s Oliver Schusser says he sees room to improve the racing fan experience. He told The Hollywood Reporter that there “really has not been a lot of innovation” in sports viewing. Atmos seems to be Apple’s next step toward changing that.
Dolby’s John Couling says Apple can make use of F1’s existing trackside sensors and microphones. That means no new hardware at the circuits, he told Business of Speed. This should also make the rollout easier to repeat at other races.
Apple already knows what good race audio can do. The team that won an Oscar for best sound on the hit Apple Original film F1: The Movie reportedly worked with around 150 microphones placed around tracks. Fans loved the roar of those cars, and now Apple wants to bring a similar feel to live broadcasts.
You’ll need Atmos-ready gear
Dolby Atmos is a spatial format, which means sound feels like it’s coming from different parts of the room. You would feel like you’re in the middle of a pit-lane scramble.
There’s a catch, though. You will only get Atmos with a TV or sound system that supports it. If you got standard stereo setups, there won’t be any difference. But AirPods and Apple TV could be just what you need.
AirPods 3 and newer, including newer AirPods Pro and AirPods Max models, can be used with an Apple TV 4K for Spatial Audio, Apple’s tech of rendering Dolby Atmos through headphones.
Apple’s F1 push keeps growing
Apple TV took over US F1 rights last year, ending ESPN’s run. The deal lasts for five years, with subscribers getting races, practice sessions, sprint races and even pre- and post-race shows. Onboard cameras, team radio and live telemetry are included as well.
F1 streams already carry 4K Dolby Vision, with viewers able to watch up to four live feeds at once using Multiview. Those who prefer the Sky Sports broadcast can pick that option and fold into their setup. iPhone users also get Live Activities pushing race updates to the iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch.
Austin is one of the five races IMAX will screen live in at least 50 U.S. locations. Apple has also teamed up with Tubi for free F1 altcasts for select races.
Dolby Atmos fits a clear pattern. Apple keeps adding ways to watch F1, and now it’s improving how the race sounds. Austin will show whether the audio upgrade lives up to the hype.
Anurag Chawake is a tech-focused writer specializing in smartphones, apps and consumer technology. His interest in computers began during the Windows 98 era, eventually leading him to explore everything from operating systems to mobile devices and PC hardware. Anurag previously contributed to The Indian Express, covering Apple, Android, gaming and the broader technology landscape.
