According to the latest report, Apple today clarified the details of which devices support Dolby Atmos spatial audio through built-in speakers. It turns out that some older iPhones and iPads that were previously thought to be able to use spatial audio did not actually provide this feature.
In the updated support document, Apple stated that iPhone XS or later models (excluding iPhone SE), 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, and the fourth-generation iPad Air have built-in speakers that support spatial audio. Before today’s update, this support document says that Space Audio is also compatible with iPhone X R, iPad mini 5, iPad Air 3, and 6th to 8th generation iPads.
Before Today’s Update:
iPhone XR or later models (except iPhone SE), iPad Pro 12.9 inches (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro 11 inches, iPad (6th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation or later) Model) on the built-in speaker), or iPad mini (5th generation).
After Today’s Update:
Built-in speakers for iPhone XS or later (except iPhone SE), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation or later), 11-inch iPad Pro or iPad Air (4th generation).
Users with older iPhones and iPads can still use a variety of headset options to access spatial audio, including AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Beats X, Beats Solo 3 Wireless, Beats Studio3, Powerbeats 3 Wireless, Beats Flex, Powerbeats Pro, Beats Solo Pro or Beat Studio Buds. On the Mac, all the headphone options listed above are as effective as the built-in speakers on a MacBook Pro (2018 or newer), MacBook Air (2018 or newer), or iMac (2021 model).
