If you own a pair of AirPods Pro headphones or the new AirPods Max headphones, then you may be in line for a Netflix audio update in the near future – they say the streaming service is running on audio space support for Apple devices.
The report comes from iPhoneSoft, citing an anonymous Netflix developer, and says the feature has been in testing since December. A release in the coming months is discussed, with a small selection of titles set to support spatial audio to begin with.
For the uninitiated, space audio essentially creates a more immersive surround sound experience. Surround sound signals that would normally be sent to multiple speakers – encoded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos format – are interpreted to work on a pair of stereo headphones, with directional cues applied.
Acoustic tricks give the impression that some sounds come from different directions, although you only have two speakers on each side of your head. You need AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, plus an iPhone or iPad with iOS 14 or later, to enjoy it.
Looks good to us
While future space audio support has only been reported by one source so far – so don’t treat it as a given yet – it makes sense for Netflix to support the format. Netflix already offers several surround sound standards with its content, so presumably it wouldn’t be too difficult to add another one.
In addition, space audio is already supported by services like Disney Plus, HBO Max and (of course) Apple TV Plus. Netflix won’t want to be left behind when it comes to the features it offers subscribers, be it spatial audio or whatever.
Based on the feedback we’ve heard since space audio first appeared on AirPods Pro in September, the end result is really impressive – it’s, as announced, almost like having full surround sound set up on two headphones.
Neither Netflix nor Apple made any official comments on whether the update is coming, but we will keep them informed as soon as we know. In the meantime, you can check out the best movies on Netflix while you wait.
Via 9to5Mac