Netflix has started rolling out support for Apple's immersive surround sound feature that works with AirPods Pro/Max. Spatial Audio now works on iPad and iPhone, and is coming soon to Apple TV 4K.
Netflix rolling out Spatial Audio
Apple's 'Spatial Audio' is designed to work with AirPods Pro/Max with dynamic head tracking. With a compatible app, it creates an immersive and dynamic sound field from a Dolby Atmos, 7.1, 5.1 or stereo source.
Spatial Audio is currently supported in apps like Apple TV, HBO Max, and Disney+. Netflix has been a holdout and even said in February that it was not testing the feature.
Netflix has reversed course and has started rolling out support for Spatial Audio on iPhone and iPad. In our testing, it works with up to Dolby Atmos and with accurate head tracking. It requires the latest version of the Netflix app and iOS 14 or later.
NETFLIX NOW SUPPORTS SPATIAL AUDIO ON AN APPLE TV 4K RUNNING TVOS 15. SCREENSHOT: FLATPANELSHD
Works on Apple TV 4K
Spatial Audio on Netflix also works on Apple TV 4K when running the latest tvOS 15 beta 6, as seen in the screenshot – it does not work on beta 5. In FlatpanelsHD's testing, Netflix can feed the Spatial Audio system on Apple TV 4K with up to Dolby Atmos audio. Head tracking works as intended, too. The effect is very impressive.
Spatial Audio support will be launched officially on Apple TV 4K later this year with the public release of tvOS 15, which also includes an option to 'spatialize stereo' for streaming apps that lack support. Read our Apple TV 4K 2021 review for more details.
