Spotify Spatial Audio Guide

Stacy Norman

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Spotify has been a pioneer in music streaming, offering a wide range of features to its users. With the advent of spatial audio technology, Spotify has introduced a new layer to the listening experience. Spatial audio allows listeners to experience music in a more immersive way, as if they are in the middle of the sound, offering a sense of depth and space that traditional stereo tracks cannot.

This technology uses specialized audio techniques to create the illusion that sound is coming from various directions. This not only enriches the listening experience but also closely mirrors how we hear sounds in real life. It supports artists in creating expansive and enveloping soundscapes and provides listeners with an innovative way to enjoy their favorite tracks.

Listeners can utilize spatial audio if they have compatible Apple or Android devices. This feature is a significant step forward in music technology, elevating the everyday act of listening to music to a more dynamic and engaging experience.

Spotify Spatial Audio Guide

Spatial Audio is a sound technology that creates a 3D, immersive listening experience, making it feel like music or voices are coming from all around you. Competing services like Apple Music and Tidal already support it natively — but what about Spotify?


1. Does Spotify Have Spatial Audio?

  • Officially:
    • As of 2025, Spotify does not offer native Spatial Audio support.
    • Unlike Apple Music’s Dolby Atmos catalog, Spotify streams in stereo only, even on Premium.
  • Workarounds:
    • On iPhone/iPad with AirPods or Beats, you can enable Apple’s “Spatialize Stereo” feature in Control Center.
    • This doesn’t give you true Dolby Atmos, but it simulates spatial audio from Spotify’s stereo output.

👉 Bottom line: Spotify doesn’t produce native spatial mixes, but you can still get a virtual surround effect depending on your device.


2. How to Enable Spatial Audio Effects on Spotify

On iPhone / iPad with AirPods (Pro/Max/3rd Gen)

  1. Connect your AirPods.
  2. Play a song in Spotify.
  3. Swipe down → open Control Center.
  4. Press and hold the volume slider.
  5. Tap Spatialize Stereo → choose Fixed or Head Tracked.

On Android Phones

  • Some Android devices (Samsung Galaxy, Sony, etc.) have Dolby Atmos or 360 Reality Audio settings.
  • Go to Settings > Sounds & Vibration > Sound quality and effects → enable Dolby Atmos.
  • This applies a spatial effect to Spotify playback.

On Windows / Mac

  • Use third-party spatial audio software (e.g., Dolby Access, Windows Sonic, Boom 3D).
  • These simulate surround sound for Spotify music.

3. Devices That Support Spatialized Spotify

  • Apple AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, AirPods (3rd Gen).
  • Beats Fit Pro and other Beats with Apple’s H1 chip.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro/2 Pro (with Dolby Atmos enabled).
  • Windows PCs with Windows Sonic / Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

4. Pros & Cons of Spotify’s Spatial Audio Options

Pros

  • Works with existing Spotify library (no special tracks required).
  • Available on most modern devices.
  • Adds immersion for movies, games, and some music.

Cons

  • Not true Dolby Atmos music like Apple Music or Tidal.
  • Quality depends heavily on device and settings.
  • Some users find simulated spatial audio makes music sound less natural.

5. Future of Spatial Audio on Spotify

  • Spotify has been working on a HiFi / Lossless tier for years, rumored to be called “Supremium”.
  • Many industry watchers expect spatial audio support to be bundled with this higher-quality tier once it officially launches.
  • As of mid-2025, no official release date has been announced.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Spotify does not currently offer native Spatial Audio.
  • You can still enable simulated spatial sound via Apple’s Spatialize Stereo, Android’s Dolby Atmos, or third-party software.
  • For true Dolby Atmos music, you’ll need to use Apple Music, Tidal, or Amazon Music.
  • Spotify may add official support once its long-awaited HiFi/Supremium tier arrives.

✅ With this guide, you can get the most immersive sound possible on Spotify today — and know what to expect in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify’s spatial audio provides an immersive listening experience.
  • It simulates real-life sound direction and depth.
  • Compatible devices are required to use Spotify’s spatial audio feature.

Exploring Spotify Spatial Audio

Spotify is exploring the world of spatial audio, offering an immersive listening experience that was once limited to certain platforms like Apple Music and Tidal.

Concept and Technology

Spatial audio creates a three-dimensional sound effect. Listeners perceive music as coming from all directions. This technology is often paired with Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio systems to enhance the listening experience.

Experience on Devices

Users with compatible devices such as recent iPhones, iPads, and certain Android devices can enjoy spatial audio. However, a pair of high-quality headphones, like AirPods Pro or Beats, is needed to experience its full effect.

Sound Quality and Settings

Spotify’s audio settings may affect spatial audio. It is ideal to select high-quality or very high quality settings for an improved experience. Settings like these dictate the music’s clarity and depth.

Content and Accessibility

Not all tracks on Spotify are available in spatial audio. Some artists and albums feature spatially mixed tracks. Users should check for the availability of immersive audio tracks.

Integration with Other Platforms and Devices

Spatial audio is not just for music. It is also used in platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max for a surround sound experience. Spotify’s integration with these platforms is still limited.

Support and Resources

Spotify provides user support for technical issues related to spatial audio. It also offers resources for setting up spatial audio, mainly through its FAQ section or customer support.

User Experience and Feedback

Users have found spatial audio to be a powerful addition to music streaming. Feedback suggests it creates a unique, immersive listening experience. User satisfaction often depends on the quality of headphones or speakers and the particular device used.