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Spatial audio is a playback experience, not a promise that every song is a surround recording. Supported AirPods and Apple devices can render compatible content around the listener. Head tracking can keep the apparent sound position tied to the screen as your head moves.
Check headphones, device and content
Apple’s current AirPods guide lists supported families including AirPods 3, 4 and 5, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The source device, installed software and app also need to support the feature. Do not assume that the earliest AirPods or every third-party headphone has the same capabilities.
A movie, song, game and FaceTime call can have different availability. Check the app’s own audio settings and any content or subscription requirements.
Fixed and head-tracked modes
Wear and connect the AirPods, start supported playback and open Control Center on iPhone or iPad. Press and hold the volume control, then open the spatial-audio control. Where available, compare Off, Fixed and Head Tracked.
Fixed applies the spatial presentation without following head movements. Head Tracked adds supported tracking. Controls can differ by app, content and software version; the setting is not a global guarantee for every audio source.
Dolby Atmos and Spatialize Stereo are different
Dolby Atmos identifies a supported audio mix or format. Spatialize Stereo processes ordinary stereo playback into a spatial presentation; it does not turn the source into the creator’s original Atmos mix. A wider effect is not automatically higher fidelity.
Personalized Spatial Audio is another option, using a supported iPhone to create a profile based on ear and head shape. It is separate from the choice to enable head tracking.
If the effect is unavailable or uncomfortable
Check the exact AirPods model, connection, app support and software updates. Compare with Fixed or Off if tracking feels distracting. Avoid buying a replacement based solely on a spatial-audio logo.
Our Beats comparison covers another headphone family, while PS5 Tempest 3D audio explains a different system’s profiles and output settings.