Users of Apple’s AirPods Pro and AirPods Max headphones who have been hoping for Netflix to introduce spatial audio support should not hold their breath. A report had suggested that Netflix was working on bringing support for the Apple feature to its platform. Now, though, a new report suggests support may not be coming at all.
Spatial audio was first brought to the AirPods Pro in-ear headphones last year with the rollout of iOS 14, before later being included with the AirPods Max over-ear headphones when they were launched. The feature effectively creates a 3D listening experience for those using it with a compatible iPhone or iPad. Sound appears to come from the right direction as a user moves their head by using the accelerometers and gyroscopes of the headphones to identify direction and movement. However, not only does spatial audio require compatible headphones and a compatible mobile device, but it also requires compatible content.
A report by iPhoneSoft last month suggested that Netflix was looking to provide just that, with the features supposedly having been being tested since December 2020. The report cited “a very knowledgeable source” and even indicated that support would be added by spring. However, a Netflix spokesperson has reportedly now told MacRumors that not only is it not currently testing spatial audio, but that it has no plans to do with the feature to make public at the moment either.
Apple Spatial Audio Netflix Alternatives
Although there is room in that statement for the possibility that spatial audio could have been being tested and that plans for it might yet be announced in the future, it does sound pretty decisive for the time being. What’s more, according to MacRumors, “Netflix instead says it was testing multi-channel support for built-in speakers,” which sounds potentially like it was trying to clear up confusion around the matter, if it’s not sleight-of-hand to kill the story. Either way, spatial audio fans shouldn’t be looking to Netflix for support of the feature any time soon.
Fortunately, there are a variety of services that do offer spatial audio support for those who are particularly keen to use the feature. For starters, as you’d expect, Apple TV+ supports the feature, with its selection of original shows, movies, and documentaries. But there is third-party support from elsewhere too. Among the platforms offering support are Disney+, Plex, HBO Max, and Hulu. Of course, Netflix may well yet add support in the future too — it just doesn’t look like it has any intention of doing so particularly soon.
