Apple Spatial Audio experience - iOS 18/CarPlay/B&O

[RickBullotta]

So I have the base B&O system in my '21 Powerboost, and with the recent updates to iOS and the latest Sync/APIM updates, it really seems like my sound system has received a MAJOR upgrade. With the surround setting, the soundstage has been GREATLY improved and with high quality audio streams from Apple Music, it really does feel "spatial" with excellent instrument and voice separation and dynamics.

Has anyone else noticed this?

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[rjinaz]

It's a marketing thing. Spatial audio is designed for headphones, not CarPlay.

Spatial audio for CarPlay is really just Dolby Atmos. Only works if your head unit supports it.
It only works via a Bluetooth audio connection. Doesn't work over a cable connected CarPlay sessions.
Any spatial audio track will be sent using Dolby Atmos encoding to the B&O system.

 

[RickBullotta]

It's a marketing thing. Spatial audio is designed for headphones, not CarPlay.

Spatial audio for CarPlay is really just Dolby Atmos. Only works if your head unit supports it.
It only works via a Bluetooth audio connection. Doesn't work over a cable connected CarPlay sessions.
Any spatial audio track will be sent using Dolby Atmos encoding to the B&O system.

Well, Atmos by definition is spatial. I guess the question I'm asking is whether anyone noticed an improvement in surround experience with the latest Sync and iOS updates.

 

[Paul Neubauer]

Well, Atmos by definition is spatial. I guess the question I'm asking is whether anyone noticed an improvement in surround experience with the latest Sync and iOS updates.

I updated the ACM, DSP and Apim this weekend with the upper level B&O system and the sound is noticeably better on the same stuff I usually listen to now.

 

[mindstormsguy]

I updated the ACM, DSP and Apim this weekend with the upper level B&O system and the sound is noticeably better on the same stuff I usually listen to now.

Do you use wireless CarPlay, or something else?

 

[RickBullotta]

Do you use wireless CarPlay, or something else?

can’t speak for Paul but I’m wired.

 

[mindstormsguy]

I’m happy to hear that this has come to the F150 with B&O. It was rolled out to the native Apple Music app in my Rivian (which I’m about to replace with a King Ranch when it’s finally delivered). In the Rivian, the spatial audio was a huge improvement. I’ve been a little worried that the B&O was going to be a downgrade, based on a brief listening session at the dealer. Maybe this will close the gap a little.

…and maybe a sub from Sounds Good. ?

 

[Paul Neubauer]

Do you use wireless CarPlay, or something else?

I just use the wireless Carplay but it will sound even better using the wired setup and playing lossless audio.

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