Netflix Says It's Not Testing Spatial Audio Support for AirPods

Netflix says it's not currently testing spatial audio support for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, putting to rest an earlier report that claimed support would roll out in the spring.

spatial audio netflixImage via iPhoneSoft

In a statement to MacRumors, a Netflix spokesperson says that it's not currently testing spatial audio support, and has no plans to make public at this point in time. Netflix instead says it was testing multi-channel support for built-in speakers, as part of its mission to "improve" its service, and evaluate "new experiences" for users.

Netflix and AirPods users have been on edge, waiting for the streaming giant to adopt the feature. The pressure on Netflix isn't made any lighter given the fact that a number of its biggest competitors such as Disney Plus, HBO Max, and of course, Apple TV+, all already include Spatial audio support.

Spatial audio brings three-dimensional sound to your AirPods Pro and ‌AirPods Max‌. Your iOS device will compare its own data from the gyroscope and accelerometer against the data from your AirPods, to ensure that your sound field stays anchored to the device even if you move your head.

Tag: Netflix

Popular Stories

iOS 26

When Will Apple Release iOS 26.2?

Monday December 1, 2025 4:37 pm PST by
We're getting closer to the launch of the final major iOS update of the year, with Apple set to release iOS 26.2 in December. We've had three betas so far and are expecting a fourth beta or a release candidate this week, so a launch could follow as soon as next week. Past Launch Dates Apple's past iOS x.2 updates from the last few years have all happened right around the middle of the...
Sad Siri Feature

Apple AI Chief John Giannandrea Retiring After Siri Delays

Monday December 1, 2025 2:16 pm PST by
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and retiring in spring 2026, Apple announced today. Giannandrea will serve as an advisor between now and 2026, with former Microsoft AI researcher Amar Subramanya set to take over as vice president of AI. Subramanya will report to Apple engineering chief Craig Federighi, and will lead Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and ...
Netflix Smaller 4

Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

Monday December 1, 2025 4:36 am PST by
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer. The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices...
Cyber Week Deals 2025

Best Cyber Week Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Week is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically,...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...
Touchscreen MacBook Feature

Here Are the Four MacBooks Apple Is Expected to Launch Next Year

Monday December 1, 2025 5:00 am PST by
2026 could be a bumper year for Apple's Mac lineup, with the company expected to announce as many as four separate MacBook launches. Rumors suggest Apple will court both ends of the consumer spectrum, with more affordable options for students and feature-rich premium lines for users that seek the highest specifications from a laptop. Below is a breakdown of what we're expecting over the next ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
iOS 26

What to Expect From Apple This December: iOS 26.3 Beta, Replay 2025, and More

Monday December 1, 2025 8:40 am PST by
The calendar has turned to December, and the quieter year-end holiday season is now upon us. Nevertheless, we can still expect a few things from Apple this month. Apple previously announced that iOS 26.2 will be released to the general public in December, and we can expect corresponding updates to be released as well, including iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, and visionOS...
ios 18 to ios 26 upgrade

Apple Pushes iPhone Users Still on iOS 18 to Upgrade to iOS 26

Tuesday December 2, 2025 11:09 am PST by
Apple is encouraging iPhone users who are still running iOS 18 to upgrade to iOS 26 by making the iOS 26 software upgrade option more prominent. Since iOS 26 launched in September, it has been displayed as an optional upgrade at the bottom of the Software Update interface in the Settings app. iOS 18 has been the default operating system option, and users running iOS 18 have seen iOS 18...

Top Rated Comments

WiseAJ Avatar
62 months ago
Why would they? They are anti-any Apple feature.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bpeeps Avatar
62 months ago

Spatial audio is a nice gimmick but use cases are severely limited. How often are people watching movies on their headphones and on their iPads, by themselves?
When my partner is asleep in bed and I don't want to disturb them.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WiseAJ Avatar
62 months ago
Apps with with Video players should be required to support system features like spatial audio and PiP. It’s crazy that apps like Netflix and YouTube stubbornly refuse to support them.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Romeo_Nightfall Avatar
62 months ago
Always a good message to customers - to not test something! Thx Netflix
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scorch07 Avatar
62 months ago

Spatial audio is a nice gimmick but use cases are severely limited. How often are people watching movies on their headphones and on their iPads, by themselves?
Almost every day. I’ve gotten so used to spatial audio with Apple TV and Disney+ that Netflix is definitely a noticeable tick down in audio experience now. So I’m very bummed to hear that they aren’t actively working towards.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
leepalisoc Avatar
62 months ago

Spatial audio is a nice gimmick but use cases are severely limited. How often are people watching movies on their headphones and on their iPads, by themselves?
You sound like a boomer. There are hundreds of thousands of students, for example, who procrastinate and watch Netflix on their their iPhone and/or iPad. Lol
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)