Apple is bringing Spatial Audio support to its new, redesigned base AirPods (3rd Gen). It lets you enjoy 5.1 or Dolby Atmos audio with Apple TV 4K, iOS devices and Mac.
Spatial Audio with AirPods
Spatial Audio was previously reserved for the more expensive AirPods Pro and AirPods Max but with the launch of the 3rd generation of the base AirPods, Apple is making its advanced audio technology more widely available.
- "AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound, and magical experience," said Greg Joswiak, Apple SVP of Worldwide Marketing. "We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivaled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices – making the world’s best-selling headphones even better."
AirPods 3rd Gen
Spatial Audio delivers immersive surround sound from movies and series along with dynamic head tracking. It works with 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos sources, and is quite impressive as discussed in our Apple TV 4K 2021 review.
Spatial Audio came to Apple TV 4K (Apple TV HD is not supported) with the release of tvOS 15 but support is currently limited to Apple's own line of headphones. The app must also support Spatial Audio, It is currently supported in apps like Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Infuse, and Netflix.
Spatial Audio on Apple TV 4K
The third generation of AirPods also feature an H1 chip, a new design with a shorter stem, AAC-ELD support for improved audio quality, an Apple-designed acoustic system, "Hey Siri" support, and extended battery life with up to six hours of listening time. They are sweat and water resistant (IPX4).
AirPods (3rd Gen) will be available starting October 26 for $179.
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) – specifications
| System Requirements
iPhone and iPod touch models with the latest version of iOS
iPad models with the latest version of iPadOS
Apple Watch models with the latest version of watchOS
Mac models with the latest version of macOS
Apple TV models with the latest version of tvOS
Audio Technology
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking1
Adaptive EQ
Custom high-excursion Apple driver
Custom high dynamic range amplifier
Sensors
Dual beamforming microphones
Inward-facing microphone
Skin-detect sensor
Motion-detecting accelerometer
Speech-detecting accelerometer
Force sensor
Chip
H1 headphone chip
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0
Sweat and water resistant (IPX4)
Battery
AirPods
Up to 6 hours of listening time with a single charge (up to 5 hours with spatial audio enabled)4
Up to 4 hours of talk time with a single charge5
AirPods with MagSafe Charging Case
Up to 30 hours of listening time6
Up to 20 hours of talk time7
5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time8 or around 1 hour of talk time9
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