Spatial Audio enables you to hear three-dimensional audio from supported videos that follow the movement of your iPhone or iPad.

It effectively recreates a 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 or video, applies directional audio filters and adjusts the frequencies relayed to each ear.

Where Spatial Audio differs to other similar technologies like Dolby Atmos for Headphones is in its tracking. The accelerometers and gyroscopes within AirPods Max, AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are used to track your head and position the sound accordingly. It also tracks your iPhone or iPad, so the sound you hear is also relative to the screen you are watching on.

As a result, when Spatial Audio is turned on and you're watching a supported film or video, if you turn your head or move your device, the dialogue you hear remains with the actor or action on the screen.

How about Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos?

As well as 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 you, to give the impression that you are sitting in the middle of a 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.