What Is Spatialize Stereo on AirPods: Fixed vs. Head Tracked?

Spatialized Stereo on AirPods is Apple’s technology that takes stereo audio and places it within a 3D soundscape, creating a more immersive listening experience. It exists in two primary modes: Fixed Spatial Audio and Head Tracked Spatial Audio. Fixed Spatial Audio anchors the sound stage in front of you, like listening to a stereo system. Head Tracked Spatial Audio, dynamically adjusts the sound field as you move your head, so the audio sources remain fixed relative to the device you’re watching or listening to, giving you a realistic and engaging experience.

Understanding Spatial Audio on AirPods

Spatial Audio, at its core, aims to replicate the way we hear sounds in the real world. In real life, sounds originate from specific locations and our brains use the subtle differences in how sound reaches our left and right ears to pinpoint those locations. Spatial Audio uses advanced algorithms and the accelerometers and gyroscopes inside AirPods to simulate this natural auditory experience. This processing widens the sound stage and creates the illusion of sounds coming from all around you, not just from within your headphones.

What Devices and AirPods Support Spatial Audio?

Spatial Audio isn’t universally available across all Apple devices and AirPods models. To enjoy this feature, you need:

• Compatible AirPods: AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (all generations), AirPods Max.
• Compatible Apple Devices: iPhones and iPads with the A11 Bionic chip or later; Apple Watch Series 6 or later; Macs with Apple silicon.
• Software Requirements: iOS/iPadOS 14 or later; macOS Monterey or later; watchOS 8 or later; tvOS 15 or later.

Decoding Fixed Spatial Audio

Fixed Spatial Audio, also sometimes called Static Spatial Audio, is the simpler of the two modes. It takes the stereo audio source and applies a processing algorithm to create a wider soundstage. This means the sound feels like it’s coming from a broader area in front of you, mimicking the effect of listening to a high-quality stereo system. Regardless of head movements, the perceived location of the sound sources remains constant. Think of it as a broadened stereo image locked in place.

Unpacking Head Tracked Spatial Audio

Head Tracked Spatial Audio, also known as Dynamic Head Tracking, takes immersion to the next level. It leverages the built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes in your AirPods to constantly monitor your head movements. As you turn your head, the audio dynamically adjusts to maintain the perceived position of the sound source.

For instance, if you are watching a movie on your iPad, the audio will appear to originate from the iPad’s screen, even when you turn your head to the left or right. This creates a much more realistic and immersive experience, as the audio remains anchored to the device’s display. This technology essentially fools your brain into believing that the sound is coming from the screen, enhancing the sense of presence and realism.

The Underlying Technology: Audio Processing and Sensors

The magic behind Spatial Audio lies in a combination of advanced audio processing and sophisticated sensor technology.

• Audio Processing: Apple uses custom algorithms to analyze the audio signal and apply a series of filters and delays that simulate the way sound waves interact with the human ear. This includes head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), which model how our head and ears shape the sound waves as they travel from the source to our eardrums.
• Sensors: The accelerometers and gyroscopes in the AirPods precisely track the orientation of your head in real-time. This information is then used to dynamically adjust the audio processing, ensuring that the sound remains anchored to the device, even as you move your head.

Advantages of Spatial Audio

Spatial Audio provides several key advantages over traditional stereo audio:

• Enhanced Immersion: Creates a more realistic and engaging listening experience, especially for movies, TV shows, and games.
• Wider Soundstage: Expands the perceived width of the audio image, making the sound feel more spacious and open.
• Improved Clarity: In some cases, Spatial Audio can improve the clarity and separation of individual sound elements within a mix.

Limitations of Spatial Audio

While Spatial Audio offers many benefits, it also has some limitations:

• Content Compatibility: Spatial Audio is most effective with content that is specifically mixed for it (e.g., Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround sound). While it can be applied to stereo content, the effect may be less dramatic.
• Processing Overhead: Spatial Audio requires significant processing power, which can impact battery life, especially on older devices.
• Subjective Experience: The effectiveness of Spatial Audio can vary depending on individual hearing and preferences. Some people may find it more immersive than others.

Spatial Audio: FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Spatial Audio on AirPods:

1. How do I enable or disable Spatial Audio on my AirPods?

   • On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and toggle Spatial Audio on or off. You can also control it from Control Center while media is playing.

2. How do I know if Spatial Audio is working?

   • When playing compatible content, you’ll see a Spatial Audio icon in Control Center. Also, try turning your head while listening; if head tracking is enabled, you should notice the sound subtly shifting.

3. What is Personalized Spatial Audio?

   • Personalized Spatial Audio uses the TrueDepth camera on your iPhone to scan your head and ears, creating a custom profile that optimizes the Spatial Audio experience for your unique anatomy.

4. Does Spatial Audio work with all audio sources?

   • Spatial Audio works best with Dolby Atmos, 5.1, and 7.1 surround sound content. It can also be applied to stereo audio, but the effect may be less pronounced.

5. Does Spatial Audio drain the battery faster?

   • Yes, Spatial Audio requires additional processing, which can slightly reduce battery life.

6. Can I use Spatial Audio with non-Apple devices?

   • While the core features of Spatial Audio are designed for Apple devices, some headphones support similar spatial audio technologies that work with Android devices.

7. Why does Spatial Audio sound different on different AirPods models?

   • The specific implementation of Spatial Audio, including the processing algorithms and sensor capabilities, varies slightly between different AirPods models. The AirPods Pro and Max generally offer a more refined experience.

8. How do I reset Personalized Spatial Audio?

   • Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and select Personalized Spatial Audio > Stop Using Personalized Spatial Audio.

9. What content benefits the most from Spatial Audio?

   • Movies, TV shows, and games with Dolby Atmos or surround sound tracks benefit the most from Spatial Audio, creating a more cinematic and immersive experience.

10. Can I use Spatial Audio with Apple Music?

    • Yes, Apple Music offers a wide selection of tracks in Dolby Atmos, which are automatically enhanced by Spatial Audio when using compatible AirPods.

11. Is there a way to adjust the intensity of Spatial Audio?

    • No, Apple does not offer a direct way to adjust the intensity of Spatial Audio. However, the effect can vary depending on the content and your individual hearing.

12. What should I do if Spatial Audio isn’t working correctly?

    • First, ensure that your AirPods and Apple device meet the compatibility requirements. Then, try restarting your devices and resetting your AirPods. Check that Spatial Audio is enabled in the Bluetooth settings for your AirPods.