Spatial Audio Support

[csumb_biscuit]

Has anyone heard if / when Spotify plans to support spatial audio on iOS? 

[csumb_biscuit]

Hey @csumb_biscuit, thanks for reaching out to the Community!

I'm glad to hear you would like Spatial Audio support on your AirPods Pro to work with Spotify, as I do too! I'm afraid this feature isn't possible at the moment, but I could see how this can be useful.

It'd be great for you to go add your +VOTE as well as subscribe to this related Idea. All the updates you need regarding this will be shared there!

I'll be here if you need anything else!

[arthurdw_]

Hey, this is currently available with spotify since the ios 15 update. Idk why no one is talking about this.

[carringtonh]

Hi I think what you’re referring to is Spatialize Stereo which is different from Spatial Audio. Spatialize Stereo takes a normal stereo track and gives it a little space as well as head tracking but songs aren’t made for spatialize stereo like it is for spatial audio. Songs in Spatial Audio are mastered by the artist/mixer for Dolby Atmos which allows sound to be all around, as well above, you unlike the more simulated experience of Spatialize Stereo. I’ve included screenshots that show the difference in icons using the same song on both apps. Hope this Helps!

[carringtonh]

I could only put 3 screenshots in my first post but here’s what control center looks like when playing the song on spotify. Control Center always indicates whether content is in Stereo, Multichannel, or Atmos when you have a compatible device connected.

[carringtonh]

As another user said there's a huge difference between songs designed for spatial audio and just normal stereo songs placed in 3D. With Spatial Audio you really get the impression of being inside the music with instruments and vocals all around you a good example of this is in the song Gimme Love by Joji. In the second case (spatialize stereo ≠ spatial audio) it seems like there’s a single stereo source that stays in place as you move around (which is really what it is). It feels very lackluster considering that with true Atmos the sound is all around and above you. Once you hear true atmos you’ll feel like it’s been missing from music. It’s a one of a kind experience. Songs/albums I recommend in Atmos is the CINEMA album by The Marias, Mystery Lady by Masego, or anything by Billie Eillish especially her most recent album .

[carringtonh]

I highly recommend as well! I switched to Apple Music years ago because it was overall a better experience. Albums/Songs I recommend in atmos are Mystery Lady by Masego, CINEMA by the Marias, In the Meantime by Alessia Cara, Modus Vivendi by 070 Shake, any of Ariana Grandes albums, and any of Billie Eilish’s albums.

[Dtjason123]

I just bought the new AirPods 3rd gen and they'll be my first 'spatial audio-supported' headphones. Like most of you, I've been a happy Spotify user for yeeaaarrs and never even glanced at other streaming music providers.

That ends as soon as I receive my new AirPods next week as I'll be signing up for a trial of Apple Music and using SongShift to bring my playlists over (thanks carringtonh for the tip!).

We'll see how it goes, but folks have said the difference is not small with Atmos-enabled audio.... "it's like the jump of going from mono to stereo sound" sounds like a huge promise.

[carringtonh]

No problem! Hope the transition goes smoothly and that you like your new airpods & spatial audio.

[Hahahaha80]

It’s been 4 years and I’m still waiting

[luongq4]

i am using my airpods pro 2 and beats studio pros, i noticed that on ipad the spotify app, allows for spatial audio, however when connected to my iphone it does not… i am wondering if this a bug on spotifys end or apples end