What Is Spatial Audio?

What is spatial audio?

Apple describes spatial audio (SA) as a 360-degree immersive sound format. However, SA is now used more generically for any immersive sound format, including Dolby Atmos, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and more. It’s designed to create a three-dimensional surround experience on everything from large sound systems to headphones and earbuds. Although primarily used for gaming and video playback, spatial audio is now gaining interest in music.

SA formats

Currently, several SA formats are available. The most popular ones include Sony 360 Reality, DTS:X, and Dolby Atmos. The idea is to go beyond familiar surround sound formats with front, rear, and sometimes side speakers. These setups create a 360-degree sound field in two dimensions, positioning sounds in front, behind, or to the sides of the listener. Spatial audio formats add overhead speakers, introducing a sense of height to the sound field. This enhancement makes the experience truly enveloping for the listener.

How to listen to spatial audio

There are many solutions for listening to spatial audio. The most immersive include systems with a compatible receiver or playback device and an array of individual speakers placed around and above the listener. Soundbars also use psychoacoustic principles to create the effect of sound coming from behind, beside, and above the listener. With Apple spatial audio, psychoacoustic processes allow for this immersive effect even with headphones and earbuds.

Dynamic head tracking

With Apple’s system and compatible devices like AirPods 3rd Gen, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, you can experience dynamic head tracking. This feature allows the earbuds to intelligently adjust the surround field as you turn your head.

SA content playback

To enjoy SA content, you can use an Apple TV, newer MacBook Pros, iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and more. You can play spatial audio content through built-in speakers on these devices, connected speakers, or AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max. Streaming services, including those from Apple, now offer spatial audio content.

The future of spatial audio

Major studios for movies, video, and music, along with powerful sources like Apple and Sony, have embraced SA in various forms. And such support has generated significant interest in these immersive listening formats. I expect this trend to continue as the formats mature and playback systems become more accessible and user-friendly.

The wrap-up

SA presents huge opportunities for musicians and creators who want to produce groundbreaking content. It’s also a great chance for listeners to explore new audio experiences in music and video.


Well, I hope you’ve found this article useful. I plan to write more helpful and interesting guides in the near future. In the meantime, check out my latest earbuds reviews: the SoundPEATS Air4 and the TOZO T20.