Recently discovered by reddit user hzfan, the new Spatialize Stereo option toggle in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey will create virtual spatial audio for stereo audio mixes. This means that sounds will appear to originate from various locations and distances around the listener. This is similar to Apple Music’s Spatial Audio feature, which simulates a 3D soundscape for audio recorded with Dolby Atmos. What sets Spatialize Stereo apart is that it can create this simulated 3D audio specifically for non-Dolby music and video. As reported by appleinsider, the Spatialize Stereo option toggle can be found in the Control Center under volume controls. It also will require iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey and a pair of either AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. Spatialize Stereo has been confirmed to work with Spotify, videos in the Photo Library, and similar audio content, but apps that have their own players, like YouTube, are not currently compatible. Upon learning about this undisclosed feature, hzfan wrote on reddit, “The only instance I’ve seen of something like this before was when watching non-Atmos content in the TV app with spatial audio on.” They went on to explain, “The greatest thing about this is that it supports EVERY audio track. Sure I’d pick Atmos Spatial Audio mixes over Spatialize Stereo every time, but for the moment there are only a dozen or so options for Atmos available on Apple Music, so this is such an amazing feature to have!” Those interested in testing out the new Spatialize Stereo feature for themselves may have to wait a little longer. iOS 15 is currently in beta, available for developers, with a public beta planned for July. The public release of iOS 15 will not be until this fall.
