Apple revealed plans to give songs mixed in Dolby Atmos higher streaming priority beginning in 2024, move provides greater incentives for copyright holders to invest in spatial audio production. With Apple’s installed hardware base already Dolby Atmos compatible, more immersive tracks stand to boost sales of AirPods and HomePod devices too.
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The core of Apple Music’s spatial audio implementation relies on Dolby Atmos technology. Dolby Atmos enables multi-channel sound with precise positioning of individual elements, creates an immersive experience with audio originating from distinct locations rather than just left/right stereo.
Apple is aggressively ushering content creators into spatial audio. Logic Pro features integrated Dolby Atmos mixing capabilities for placing sound objects around a 3D environment. For producers accustomed to other Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), third-party plugins like the Dolby Atmos Production Suite offer similar toolsets.
What Streaming Prioritization Means
Assigning bandwidth priority means Dolby Atmos tracks will sound comparatively better. Songs without Atmos will stream at lower bitrates, while spatial audio catalogues enjoy lossless-quality delivery. Essentially, Apple is betting that the clarity gap compels rightsholders to upgrade mixing approaches.
Consumers stand to benefit too. AirPods and HomePod hardware already supports Dolby Atmos playback. As more songs receive immersive mixes, device sales could enjoy a boon from upgraders keen to experience spatial audio. Ultimately Apple wins on both ends – incentivizing Atmos adoption from artists while driving hardware revenue.
Apple’s 2024 milestone cements Dolby Atmos’ positioning for the future of music consumption. Sure, adoption remains niche for now. But streaming prioritization applies the necessary leverage for catalysing creative investment.
Get ready for a revolution in how music is experienced. Dolby Atmos unlocks new dimensions of immersion by situating sounds in space rather than just left/right channels. The combination of Apple’s production push and bandwidth preference ushers in spatial audio as a mainstream fixture of music enjoyment. Songs won’t just be heard, but felt and experienced across rooms. 2024 marks a sonic journey where audio transcends channels into layers of depth and spaces.
