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10 Tech How-To

Spatial Audio on iPhone iOS 16: Setup Guide

Guide 10-29558 · Updated · Step by step

This guide walks you through enabling and using Spatial Audio with supported headphones on an iPhone running iOS 16. Spatial Audio creates a surround-sound experience that feels like sound is coming from around you, and with head tracking it stays anchored to your device as you move. You’ll need compatible Apple or Beats headphones, and for the full experience, content recorded in Dolby Atmos.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone running iOS 16 (any model that supports iOS 16).
  • Compatible headphones: AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd gen), AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd gen), Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Pro, or Powerbeats Pro.
  • Content that supports Spatial Audio: Apple Music (Dolby Atmos tracks), supported movies and TV shows in the TV app, or certain streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+.
  • Your headphones connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth (already paired).

Step-by-Step

  1. Update to iOS 16 (if needed). Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available update. iOS 16 is required for the full Spatial Audio features described here.
  2. Connect your headphones. Put your AirPods or Beats in pairing mode and connect them to your iPhone via Bluetooth (Settings > Bluetooth). Make sure they are firmly in your ears or on your head.
  3. Open Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or swipe up from the bottom (on iPhones with a Home button).
  4. Press and hold the volume slider. In Control Center, press and hold the volume slider to expand the audio controls. You’ll see a small icon of your headphones at the bottom.
  5. Tap the Spatial Audio icon. It looks like a small circle with a dot in the center and two curved lines on the sides. Tap it to open the Spatial Audio menu.
  6. Choose your mode:
    • Off: Disables Spatial Audio.
    • Fixed: Surround sound stays fixed relative to your phone. As you move your head, the sound stays in place.
    • Head Tracked: The sound follows your head, so the center of the audio moves with you. This is the most immersive mode.
  7. For Apple Music: Open the Music app, play a song that has a Dolby Atmos badge (look for the small “Dolby Atmos” label). Spatial Audio will automatically engage if your headphones are compatible and the setting is on.
  8. For video: Play a movie or show that supports Spatial Audio (check the description). The same Control Center menu lets you switch between Fixed and Head Tracked modes.
  9. Check your settings (optional). Go to Settings > Music > Dolby Atmos and set it to “Automatic” or “Always On.” “Automatic” only uses Atmos for compatible content, while “Always On” forces it on all audio (which may not sound great on non-Atmos tracks).
  10. Personalize Spatial Audio (optional). On AirPods Pro (2nd gen) and AirPods Max, you can use the camera to scan your ears for a custom profile. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, then tap “Personalized Spatial Audio” and follow the prompts.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to update iOS: Spatial Audio features are only fully available on iOS 16 or later. Older versions may lack the head tracking option.
  • Using non-compatible headphones: Any Bluetooth headphones will play stereo sound, but Spatial Audio requires specific Apple or Beats models. Check the compatibility list.
  • Not enabling Dolby Atmos in Music settings: Even with Spatial Audio on, if Dolby Atmos is set to “Off” in Settings, you won’t get the 3D effect on Apple Music.
  • Choosing the wrong mode: “Fixed” and “Head Tracked” feel very different. If you’re walking around, “Fixed” might feel weird because the audio stays put. Try both to see what you prefer.
  • Expecting it on all content: Spatial Audio only works with content specifically mixed for it. Regular stereo songs won’t suddenly become 3D.

Tips

  • Use the “Head Tracked” mode for movies and TV shows. It makes the audio feel like it’s coming from the screen, which is very immersive.
  • For music, “Fixed” is often better. Head tracking can make music feel detached from your phone, which some people find distracting.
  • Experiment with volume. Spatial Audio can make quiet parts feel even quieter, so you may need to adjust the volume when switching modes.
  • Check battery life. Head tracking uses more battery, so if you’re running low, switch to “Fixed” or “Off.”
  • Use the “Personalized Spatial Audio” feature. It genuinely improves the effect by tailoring the audio to your ear shape. It takes about a minute and is worth doing.

Troubleshooting

  • Spatial Audio option is greyed out. This usually means your headphones don’t support it, or they aren’t connected properly. Make sure they’re connected and in your ears. If they are, try forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pairing.
  • No sound change when toggling. The content you’re playing likely doesn’t support Spatial Audio. Try a known Dolby Atmos track in Apple Music or a supported movie.
  • Head tracking doesn’t work. Make sure you selected “Head Tracked” (not “Fixed”). Also, check that your iPhone has motion sensors enabled (they should be by default). If it still doesn’t work, restart your iPhone.
  • Spatial Audio turns off by itself. This can happen if your headphones have low battery or if you’re on a call. Also, some apps override the setting. Check the Control Center again.
  • Audio sounds muffled or weird. Try turning off “Personalized Spatial Audio” to see if that’s the issue. Also, make sure your ear tips are the right size (AirPods Pro) – a poor seal kills the effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spatial Audio work with any Bluetooth headphones?

No. It requires Apple or Beats headphones with the H1 or H2 chip (AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods 3rd gen, Beats Fit Pro, etc.). Regular Bluetooth headphones will play stereo only.

What’s the difference between Fixed and Head Tracked?

Fixed keeps the sound anchored to your phone; when you turn your head, the audio stays in place. Head Tracked moves the audio with your head, so the center of the sound follows you. For movies, Head Tracked is usually better; for music, Fixed is often preferred.

Does Spatial Audio work with Spotify?

No. Spotify does not support Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio. The feature works with Apple Music, the TV app, and some third-party video apps that support it (like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max).

Can I use Spatial Audio with wired headphones?

No. Spatial Audio requires specific wireless headphones. Wired headphones, even Apple ones, don’t support it.

Does Spatial Audio drain battery faster?

Yes, especially with head tracking enabled, because it uses the motion sensors and extra processing. You’ll notice a small decrease in battery life compared to regular stereo.

How do I turn off Spatial Audio completely?

Open Control Center, press and hold the volume slider, tap the Spatial Audio icon, and select “Off.” You can also go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your headphones, and toggle Spatial Audio off.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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