This is how Spatial Audio works with head gestures on Apple TV and Mac

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Spatial Audio with Head Gestures on Apple TV and Mac

During the WWDC 2021 keynote, Apple announced that macOS Monterey and tvOS 15 will receive support for Spatial Audio, which takes your head movements into account. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, Spatial Audio gives you the feeling that the sound comes from the front, the side and from behind. This makes you even more immersed in your film. To get the sound from the right angle, Apple uses the gyroscope and acceleration sensor for Spatial Audio on your iPhone and iPad. This data is constantly compared with similar data from your AirPods. So if you move your iPad or iPhone, the direction from which the sound comes will also change. But how does that work on your Mac or Apple TV? These devices do not have these sensors.

This is how Spatial Audio works on your Mac and Apple TV

On tvOS and M1 Macs, Spatial Audio doesn't work with sensors in the device, but uses your AirPods' gyroscope and acceleration sensor to determine if you're moving your head. When you look at the TV screen, keep your head (relatively) still.

After a while tvOS and macOS Monterey assume this is the direction of view. This is taken as a reference point for the audio output when spatial audio is turned on. When you get up and walk, your viewing direction will be reconsidered and Spatial Audio will be reactivated.

Dynamic tracking of your head only works if Spatial Audio is active. This is an algorithm that can imitate a Dolby Atmos A/V receiver. Based on Dolby Atmos source material, such as a movie, a sound field is created that seems to come from 360 degrees. It seems as if the whole room is filled with sound, while it only comes from your earbuds.

Easier to pair AirPods
tvOS 15 also makes it easier to connect AirPods to your Apple TV. When you turn on your AirPods near your TV, a popup will now appear asking you to pair them. You no longer have to go to the settings or the Control Panel to connect your wireless earphones or headphones.

Discover all the other innovations in macOS Monterey in our roundups:

  • macOS 12 Monterey now official: it's new for the Mac!
  • These features in iOS 15 and macOS Monterey make separate apps (sometimes) superfluous
  • These macOS Monterey features only work on an M1 Mac
  • Download the macOS Monterey wallpapers here

More sound tips for your iDevices

  • What is Dolby Atmos and why do you want it?
  • So you can select speakers on the Apple TV and mute the sound
  • How to make a HomePod stereo pair
  • Is your sound not too loud? This is how the headset notifications make you more aware