Windows users subscribed to Apple Music have a reason to celebrate. After a considerable wait, the Apple Music app for Windows has finally received an update enabling Dolby Atmos playback. This brings the Windows version closer to its macOS counterpart, offering a more immersive listening experience for those with compatible setups.
The addition of Dolby Atmos means users can listen to tracks mixed in spatial audio, creating a three-dimensional soundscape that goes beyond traditional stereo. It feels like music is coming from all around you, adding depth and clarity. This feature has been available on Apple devices and the macOS app for some time, making its arrival on Windows a welcome development for subscribers using Microsoft’s operating system.
Getting Atmos working isn’t quite plug-and-play, however. You’ll need hardware that supports Dolby Atmos. The feature integrates with Windows’ own spatial sound settings. Many users online report needing to install the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store. This app might require a one-time license fee after a free trial period to enable “Dolby Atmos for Headphones”. Simply enabling Windows Sonic, Microsoft’s own spatial sound solution, won’t deliver the true Dolby Atmos experience according to user reports; tracks may just play in standard Dolby Audio format instead.
The initial reaction from the Apple Music community on platforms like Reddit has been largely positive. User Kvpe commented, “no way omg finally they moved their asses and added it”. Others, like Tobias-Tawanda, were initially unsure about compatibility, asking if their laptop’s built-in Dolby Audio was sufficient (it typically isn’t for the full Atmos effect, which requires specific metadata processing). Some users on newer Windows 11 builds noted needing to manually install specific Dolby codecs that might be missing from clean installations.
Alongside the headline Atmos feature, the update seems to include other small improvements. One user, CoachConstantine, pointed out that compilation albums now correctly display individual track artists, fixing a previous shortcoming of the Windows app. While it took a while, the arrival of Dolby Atmos makes the Apple Music app on Windows a much more compelling option for audiophiles and casual listeners seeking a richer sound experience.
Dwayne Cubbins
838 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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