If you are encountering issues with Dolby Atmos audio sync over wireless speakers or AirPods connected to Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18.5 introduces a new synchronization feature.
Since tvOS 13 in 2019, Apple TV 4K has had a feature called 'Wireless Audio Sync' in its settings menu. It can be used to synchronize audio/video using the microphone on an iPhone.
However, the feature has certain limitations, as described in FlatpanelsHD’ review of Apple TV 4K (2022), and some users have reported that Dolby Atmos audio can still be out of sync. The issue may occur, for example, because the TV delays – or does not delay – the picture due to video processing.
tvOS 18.5 addresses the issue
With the release of tvOS 18.5 for Apple TV 4K this week, Apple addresses the issue by expanding the sync function to run test signals with both stereo and Dolby Atmos audio. Your iPhone must also be updated to iOS 18.5.
The feature is intended for wireless speakers with Dolby Atmos, such as a pair of HomePods wirelessly connected to Apple TV 4K, or AirPods with spatial audio support connected to Apple TV 4K.
Read also: Spatial audio on Apple TV 4K: What it is, how it works & supported apps/games
Wireless Audio Sync feature in tvOS 18.5. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
FlatpanelsHD has not encountered issues with out-of-sync Dolby Atmos audio, so we are unable to verify, but there are already reports that tvOS 18.5 resolves the issue for at least some users.
Also read: Review: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) as TV speakers
Apple will unveil the next major update, tvOS 19, in June at the WWDC conference.
tvOS 18.5 udgivelsesnoter
| What's new in tvOS 18.5:
- This update adds support for synchronizing Dolby Atmos playback to speakers over AirPlay or Bluetooth. To use, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Wireless Audio Sync. |
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