As far as audio-centric products are concerned, Apple has been unstoppable since the launch of AirPods. At the latest Apple event, along with the second-generation AirPods Pro, Apple released a feature called Personalized Spatial Audio for iOS 16-compatible devices.
Apple has already introduced spatial audio with iOS 14.6, and we have covered a dedicated guide on how to use spatial audio on iPhone. Now, let’s understand Personalized Spatial Audio and how you can use it.
What is Personalized Spatial Audio?
According to Apple, “With Personalised Spatial Audio, the AirPods listening experience is even more immersive. Users perceive sound individually based on the size and shape of their heads and ears. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, users can create a personal profile for Spatial Audio that delivers a listening experience precisely tuned just for them.”
Spatial Audio is Apple’s way of creating a 360° surround sound experience. In conjunction with the customized Spatial Audio, each individual is assigned their own personalized profile.
With the help of the TrueDepth cameras, Apple has created a technology that can give you an experience you can find in no other brand. And it sounds the best for everyone as it maps every individual separately.
Personalized Spatial Audio – Compatible devices
Personalized Spatial Audio is accessible by every iPhone running iOS 16. Here is a list of AirPods that support the feature:
- AirPods Pro (1st gen)
- AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
- AirPods (3rd gen)
- AirPods Max
- Beats Fit Pro
Note:
- Due the limitation of TrueDepth cameras, the feature will be limited to iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and above, not including iPhone SE 2 and SE 3).
- Apple has confirmed that Personalized Spatial Audio profiles will be available with iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura in October.
How to set up Personalized Spatial Audio for AirPods and Beats
Once your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 and your AirPods are connected to your device, you will get a prompt asking you to try Personalized Spatial Audio. Here’s how to begin the process:
- Tap Get Started → Continue.
Take the AirPods out of your ear as the iPhone Camera needs to scan your ear with an unobscured view. - Tap Start Front View Capture and follow the onscreen instructions.
- Proceed by tapping Start Right Ear Capture.
- Once done, continue by selecting Start Left Ear Capture.
Enable Personalized Spatial Audio manually on iPhone
- Open Settings.
Make sure your AirPods is connected to your iPhone. - Tap [Name]’s AirPods Pro.
- Scroll to Personalized Spatial Audio and enable it.
Follow the onscreen instruction (similar to those mentioned above) to set it up.
Notably, you can choose See & Hear How It Works to see how Spatial Audio differs from Stereo Audio.
If you cannot set up Personalized Spatial Audio, reset your Airpods once and try these steps again.
Finishing off
Apple is making great strides in providing its users with a personalized experience. Over the years, the company has made itself synonymous with spell-binding experiences. And Personalized Spatial Audio is a valuable addition to the same. Don’t forget to check out our detailed comparison of AirPods Pro vs. AirPods 2.
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Has anyone actually been able to set this up? It’s absolutely impossible to capture the ears.
We have been successfully been able to set this up. The screenshots we have taken are of the same. please try several times if you fail to achieve it in one go.