Apple is currently rolling out Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio for Apple Music to provide subscribers with a more immersive and higher quality audio experience.
While the new feature is currently being rolled out free of charge to Apple Music subscribers, Apple has now confirmed that dynamic head tracking for songs will be added in the fall.
Is spatial audio with dynamic head tracking available for music?
From the FAQ section of a newly updated Apple Support document shows:
We're excited to announce that Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking is coming to Apple Music this fall. Dynamic Head Tracking creates an even more immersive spatial audio experience. It brings music to life by dynamically adjusting the sound as you turn your head. And you can experience Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max with a compatible iPhone or iPad.
It remains unclear how Apple plans to apply dynamic head tracking to music. In its current form, dynamic head tracking can be experienced when watching videos on iPhone and iPad with headphones that support spatial audio. But it's the video element that is key.
Dynamic Head Tracking: Implementation remains exciting
Spatial Audio uses the gyroscope and accelerometer in the headphones and iOS device to track the movement of the head and the position of the device, compare the motion data, and then remap the sound field so that it stays anchored to the device even when the head moves. Apple Music videos with Spatial Audio enabled already support dynamic head tracking in this way. Since there is no visual element when listening to audio tracks, Apple probably has a different implementation in mind that is intended to add more depth to the listening experience. Individual instruments and effects could remain anchored in a virtual soundstage. This could give users the feeling of sitting in the audience at a live concert when they turn their heads. (Photo by d8nn / Bigstockphoto)
