Netflix is silently testing support for the new spatial audio functionality in iOS 14. According to a report by iPhoneSoft, citing an anonymous Netflix developer, the company has been testing space audio support on the iPhone and iPad since December.
In fact, there is not much work that would be needed at the end of Netflix to support spatial audio. The service already offers a variety of surround sound content, which is what spatial audio converts to virtual surround sound. Many streaming services, including Apple TV +, Hulu and Disney +, already support spatial audio.
O iPhoneSoft The report does not include specific information about when Netflix will release the spatial audio report, instead it only vaguely suggests a spring release with a “limited” catalog.
What is spatial audio?
The space audio feature is exclusive to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, and switching can be accessed via Control Center when your AirPods are connected.
Apple says space audio is an immersive experience using directional audio filters to “play sounds virtually anywhere in space, creating an immersive sound experience”. This will put the surround channels in exactly the right place, even when you turn your head or move the device.
Here’s how Apple describes the space audio feature for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max users:
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking brings the cinema experience directly to your AirPods Pro. By applying directional audio filters and subtly adjusting the frequencies each ear receives, spatial audio can place sounds almost anywhere in space, creating an immersive surround sound experience. Using the gyroscope and accelerometer on your AirPods Pro and your iPhone, spatial audio tracks the movement of your head and device, compares motion data, and then remaps the sound field so that it is anchored to your device , just as it moves in your head.
One important thing to keep in mind is that only the most advanced Premium layer on Netflix supports Dolby Atmos surround sound. Netflix may also limit Spatial Audio to Premium subscribers, but we still don’t know the details.
If you notice support for spatial audio with Netflix on your iPhone or iPad, be sure to let us know in the comments or on Twitter @ 9to5Mac.
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