Apple is gearing up for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and this year’s event is expected to bring exciting updates to the iOS operating system. One of the rumored features is the introduction of “Passthrough” for Apple Music, an enhancement related to the existing Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos feature.
Spatial Audio is an immersive audio mixing technology that allows music to be played in a way that makes it seem like it’s coming from all around you. Whether you’re using headphones like AirPods or Beats, speakers, or Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, Spatial Audio creates a truly immersive listening experience.
According to AppleInsider, Passthrough may be a rebrand of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This new name change could make it easier for users to understand the feature’s purpose. Additionally, Passthrough might be directly supported within the Apple Music app, making it accessible to all Music subscribers rather than just those with compatible hardware.
One intriguing aspect of Spatial Audio is its compatibility with AirPods. Using head-tracking technology, Spatial Audio adjusts the audio output to match different speakers based on your location and which Apple devices you’re connected to. This means that regardless of where you are or what device you’re using, Spatial Audio delivers an immersive and dynamic listening experience.
However, there are still some unanswered questions. For example, there is speculation about whether there will be an update to VisionOS, the operating system of Apple Vision Pro. Currently, VisionOS already includes Spatial Audio and something called Spatial Video, which provides 3D immersive experiences from videos recorded on an iPhone 15 Pro. It remains to be seen if WWDC will bring any updates to VisionOS or if Passthrough will have any integration with this operating system.
WWDC is scheduled for June 10th, just a few weeks away. Apple enthusiasts and music lovers alike are eagerly anticipating the event to get a better understanding of what the iOS 18 update will bring, particularly in terms of audio features. With the potential introduction of Passthrough and other exciting enhancements like “smart” cross-fade transitions between songs on Apple Music, this year’s WWDC promises to be an event worth watching for any Apple user.
Overall, Apple continues to push the boundaries of audio technology, creating innovative features that enhance the way we listen to music. Whether it’s through Spatial Audio, Passthrough, or other upcoming developments, Apple is committed to delivering immersive and high-quality audio experiences to its users. So mark your calendars for WWDC and be prepared to dive into the future of Apple’s audio features.
