Apple Music has revolutionized the way we experience music, and with the introduction of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, listening has become even more immersive. But what exactly is Dolby Atmos, and how can you make the most of it on your Apple devices? This guide will explore Dolby Atmos, how to listen on Apple Music, and answer frequently asked questions to enhance your audio experience.
Understanding Dolby Atmos: Sound That Moves Around You
Dolby Atmos is a revolutionary audio technology that goes beyond traditional stereo and surround sound. Instead of being confined to channels, sound in Dolby Atmos is treated as objects that can be placed and moved anywhere in a three-dimensional space. This creates aSphere of sound that surrounds you, making you feel like you’re inside the music.
Imagine listening to a live concert; with Dolby Atmos, you can hear the drums behind you, the vocals in front, and the guitar to your left, mirroring a real-life auditory experience. This technology adds depth, clarity, and spaciousness to music, creating a more engaging and realistic listening session.
How to Enable Dolby Atmos on Your Apple Devices for Apple Music
Apple Music offers a vast library of songs available in Dolby Atmos. Here’s how to set up your Apple devices to enjoy this immersive audio experience.
Listening to Dolby Atmos on iPhone or iPad
To enjoy Dolby Atmos on your iPhone or iPad, ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS.
- Update your device: Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. You can update in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Access Music Settings: Go to the Settings app on your device and tap on “Music”.
- Navigate to Dolby Atmos: Under the “Audio” section, find and tap “Dolby Atmos”.
- Choose Your Preferred Setting: You have three options:
- Automatic: Dolby Atmos will automatically play when using compatible headphones (like any Apple or Beats Bluetooth headphones) or the built-in speakers on supported devices (iPhone XS and later, except iPhone SE; iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd gen and later; iPad Pro 11-inch; iPad Air 4th gen and later).
- Always On: This option forces Dolby Atmos to be active even with wired headphones that may not automatically support it.
- Off: Disables Dolby Atmos playback.
For most users, Automatic is the recommended setting for seamless Dolby Atmos playback.
Enjoying Dolby Atmos on Your Mac
Similar to iPhones and iPads, Macs also support Dolby Atmos playback through Apple Music.
- Update macOS: Ensure your Mac is updated to the latest macOS version. Update via System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Open Apple Music App: Launch the Apple Music application on your Mac.
- Access Preferences/Settings: In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click “Music” and then select “Preferences” (or “Settings” depending on your macOS version).
- Go to Playback Tab: In the Preferences window, click on the “Playback” tab.
- Dolby Atmos Setting: You’ll find the Dolby Atmos setting here with the same options as iOS/iPadOS: Automatic, Always On, or Off.
Automatic mode on Mac works with Apple or Beats Bluetooth headphones and the built-in speakers on MacBook Pro (2018 and later), MacBook Air (2018 and later), or iMac (2021). Choose Always On for other headphones.
Dolby Atmos on Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro takes immersive experiences to the next level, and Dolby Atmos is naturally part of this.
- Navigate to Music Settings: In Settings on your Apple Vision Pro, go to “Apps” and then tap “Music”.
- Dolby Atmos Option: Under “Audio,” you’ll see “Dolby Atmos.” Tap it.
- Select Automatic, Always On, or Off: Choose your preferred setting.
Automatic detection works with recognized headphones and Apple Vision Pro built-in speakers. Use Always On for other headphones.
Listening to Dolby Atmos on HomePod
HomePod devices are designed to deliver rich, spatial audio, and they are naturally compatible with Dolby Atmos.
- Update HomePod Software: Ensure your HomePod is running the latest software version.
- Use the Home App: Open the Home app on the iPhone or iPad you used to set up your HomePod.
- Access Home Settings: Tap the Home button in the Home app.
- Go to User Settings: Tap “Home Settings,” then under “People,” tap your name.
- Apple Music Settings: Select “Apple Music.”
- Toggle Dolby Atmos: Here you can turn Dolby Atmos on or off for your HomePod.
Dolby Atmos on Apple TV 4K
For a home theater experience, Apple TV 4K paired with Dolby Atmos-compatible audio equipment is ideal.
- Update Apple TV 4K: Update your Apple TV 4K to the latest tvOS version.
- Ensure Compatible Audio Output: You need one of the following:
- HomePod speakers set as default Apple TV speakers.
- A Dolby Atmos compatible soundbar, AV receiver, or TV.
- Apple or Beats Bluetooth headphones.
- Access Music Settings on Apple TV: Go to Settings > Apps > Music on your Apple TV.
- Dolby Atmos Setting: Select “Dolby Atmos” and switch between “Automatic” or “Off.”
Dolby Atmos on Android Devices
Android users with Apple Music subscriptions can also experience Dolby Atmos, provided their Android device supports it.
- Check Device Compatibility: Confirm with your Android device manufacturer if your device supports Dolby Atmos.
- Update Apple Music App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Apple Music app from the Google Play Store.
- Open Apple Music Settings:
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Tap the “More” button (usually three dots or lines).
- Tap “Settings.”
- Toggle “Dolby Atmos” to turn it on or off.
Optimizing Your Dolby Atmos Listening Experience
Here are some tips to enhance your Dolby Atmos experience on Apple Music:
- Use Headphones or Speakers that Support Spatial Audio: While Dolby Atmos can be enjoyed on built-in speakers of some devices, headphones or speaker systems specifically designed for spatial audio will provide a much more immersive and detailed experience. Look for headphones that advertise “spatial audio” or “Dolby Atmos” support for the best results.
- Sound Check Setting: If Dolby Atmos tracks sound quieter than standard stereo tracks, enable “Sound Check.” This feature normalizes the audio level across tracks. You can find Sound Check in the Music settings on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, and in the settings within the Apple Music app on Apple Vision Pro.
- Download in Dolby Atmos: To ensure you’re listening to the Dolby Atmos version of tracks offline, enable “Download in Dolby Atmos” in the Music settings on your devices. This ensures that when you download songs, the Dolby Atmos version is prioritized (if available).
- Identify Dolby Atmos Tracks: When playing a song, look for the Dolby Atmos badge in the “Now Playing” screen. For albums, the badge on the album detail page indicates all songs are available in Dolby Atmos. Note that some songs might only be in Dolby Atmos on specific album versions.
- Switch to Stereo Version: If you prefer to listen to the stereo version of a song downloaded in Dolby Atmos, simply turn off Dolby Atmos in your device’s Music settings. Apple Music downloads both Dolby Atmos and stereo versions when you have “Download in Dolby Atmos” enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolby Atmos on Apple Music
Is Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking available for music?
Yes, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is available for Dolby Atmos music on Apple Vision Pro and compatible headphones when paired with supported iPhones, iPads, or Macs. This feature makes the sound even more immersive by adapting the audio as you move your head.
Why do Dolby Atmos tracks sound quieter than stereo tracks?
This can sometimes occur due to differences in audio mastering. Enabling “Sound Check” in your device’s Music settings will help to normalize the volume levels.
How can I tell if a song is available in Dolby Atmos?
When a song is playing, check the “Now Playing” screen for the Dolby Atmos badge. For albums, the badge will be on the album’s detail page if all tracks are in Dolby Atmos.
How do I get a Dolby Atmos version of a song I already downloaded?
Delete the song from your library. Then, enable “Download in Dolby Atmos” in your Music settings and redownload the song. This will ensure you get the Dolby Atmos version if available.
Can I listen to a stereo version if I downloaded in Dolby Atmos?
Yes, when you download a Dolby Atmos track, the stereo version is also downloaded. To listen in stereo, simply turn off Dolby Atmos in your device’s settings and play the song.
Dolby Atmos on Apple Music brings a new dimension to music listening, offering a more immersive and engaging audio experience. By understanding how to set it up and optimize your listening, you can fully appreciate the depth and richness this technology brings to your favorite songs. Explore the Dolby Atmos catalog on Apple Music and rediscover your music like never before.
Apple Music availability may vary by country or region. Check Apple’s regional availability page for more information.
