If you own a pair of AirPods Pro earbuds or the new AirPods Max headphones, you may soon be eligible for a Netflix audio upgrade – the streaming service is working on discussing spatial audio support for Apple devices.
The report comes from iPhoneSoft, with an anonymous Netflix developer, and says the feature has been tested since December. A launch in the next few months is offered, with a small variety of titles starting to support spatial sound.
For the uninitiated, spatial sound essentially creates a more immersive surround sound experience. Surround audio signals that are usually 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 directions applied.
The acoustic deceivers give the impression that some sounds are coming from different directions, even though you only have two speakers on either side of your head. You need the AirPods Pro or the AirPods Max, plus an iPhone or iPad that uses iOS 14 or later to enjoy it.
Sounds good to us
While the upcoming spatial audio support has so far only been reported by one source – so it should not be treated as a given – it makes sense that Netflix supports the format. Netflix already offers several surround sound standards with its content, so it probably wouldn’t be too difficult to add another one.
In addition, spatial sound is already supported by services such as Disney Plus, HBO Max and (of course) Apple TV Plus. Netflix does not want to be left behind when it comes to the features it offers subscribers, whether it is spatial audio or something else.
Based on the feedback we’ve heard since the AirPods Pro first appeared in space in September, the end result is actually impressive – it’s, as advertised, almost like a full surround sound setup in two earbuds to have.
Neither Netflix nor Apple has made any official comments on whether the upgrade will be available soon, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know. In the meantime, you can watch the best movies on Netflix while you wait.
Via 9to5Mac