Spatial Audio doesn't work with built-in speaker of iPhone XR, base iPad

What you need to know

• Apple has removed some devices as being compatible with Spatial Audio through their speakers.
• The support document dropped the iPhone XR and base model iPad.

Some devices thought to support Spatial Audio are dropped from the list.

It looks like even Apple wasn't sure what devices supported Spatial Audio through their speakers.

As reported by MacRumors, the company has removed a number of devices it had originally marked as compatible with the feature through their built-in speakers. It appears that the iPhone XR and base model iPad do not in fact support Spatial Audio.

Before today's update:

"The built-in speakers on an iPhone XR or later (except iPhone SE), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad (6th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation or later), or iPad mini (5th generation)"

After today's update:

"The built-in speakers on an iPhone XS or later (except iPhone SE), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro 11-inch, or iPad Air (4th generation)"

Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio were both released for Apple Music without any price increase to the service itself. Both technologies enable new experiences on the service whether it be a new dimension of audio or higher quality audio.

Apple is bringing Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos to Apple Music. Dolby Atmos is a revolutionary, immersive audio experience that enables artists to mix music so the sound comes from all around and from above. By default, Apple Music will automatically play Dolby Atmos tracks on all AirPods and Beats headphones with an H1 or W1 chip, as well as the built-in speakers in the latest versions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple Music will be adding new Dolby Atmos tracks constantly and will be curating a special set of Dolby Atmos playlists to help listeners find the music they love. In addition, albums that are available in Dolby Atmos will have a badge on the detail page for easy discovery.

Earlier today, the company brought both features to the Apple Music app on Android. If you want to enjoy Spatial Audio in the best quality possible, check out our list of the Best headphones for Dolby Atmos for Apple Music 2021.