In a major enhancement to Apple Music for Windows PCs, Apple rolled out support for Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio. This long-awaited feature brings the immersive audio experience that Apple users have enjoyed since 2021 to the Windows platform for the first time.
Apple Music for Windows PCs adds Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio
The update, released in version 1.1284.20225 of Apple Music for Windows, allows PC users to experience the three-dimensional audio format that makes sounds appear to come from all around the listener, according to a new Apple support article. Dolby Atmos technology enables this immersive soundscape on compatible headphones and speakers, creating a more engaging listening experience than traditional stereo.
“Dolby Atmos enables immersive, three-dimensional audio on compatible headphones and speakers,” according to Apple’s documentation on the feature. The company’s Spatial Audio technology takes this further by applying directional audio filters to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
How Windows users can enjoy Dolby Atmos
Windows users looking to take advantage of this feature will need to complete several steps.
First, they must ensure they have the latest version of the Apple Music app installed from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, they need to install the Dolby Access app, as Windows doesn’t include the Dolby Atmos codec by default.
It’s worth noting that while the Dolby Access app is free for external speaker use, Windows users will need to pay $14.99 for the headphone codec, an additional cost that Apple users don’t face on the company’s own platforms.
Once both applications are installed, users simply need to enable Dolby Atmos playback in the Apple Music settings to begin enjoying Spatial Audio content.
Welcome to the party, Windows
This addition brings the Windows version of Apple Music closer to feature parity with its counterparts on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, Apple TV, HomePod and AirPods, as well as Android, all of which have supported Dolby Atmos audio since its introduction to the products in June 2021.
The Apple Music app was originally launched for Windows in 2023 as a modern replacement for iTunes. Along with Apple Music, the company has also released the Apple TV app and Apple Devices app for Windows. The latter allows users to backup and restore iOS devices directly from their PC. All of Apple’s Windows applications are available for free through the Microsoft Store.
Apple notes that Apple Music and Dolby Atmos availability varies by region, and interested users can check the support article about Apple Media Services availability to confirm access in their location.
