Sonos users eager for Spatial Audio over AirPlay as iOS 18 rolls out

With the official release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and tvOS 18, Apple has officially rolled out a host of exciting updates across its Home products, and among them, a key addition is AirPlay’s Spatial Audio feature. Now, users can enjoy immersive audio, complete with Dolby Atmos support, when streaming audio from iPhones and iPads not only to the HomePod but also to some compatible third-party audio equipment from popular brands like Sonos.

Granted, if you’re a Sonos owner, you might be wondering when this magical update will land on your smart speakers. After all, Spatial Audio over AirPlay sounds like a game-changer. This explains why Sonos users have been flooding forums for months with availability queries.

From Reddit threads to Sonos forums, the buzz is real. iOS 18 brings AirPlay’s Spatial Audio to the table, but for many Sonos users, it’s like being invited to a feast and then discovering your table’s missing the dessert. The expectation was there — Dolby Atmos on Sonos gear via AirPlay should be the next natural step, right? But users who dove into the iOS 18 update have found that while the AirPlay badge proudly lights up, Dolby Atmos hasn’t quite joined the show yet.

So what gives? Sonos, ever the meticulous tinkerer, is well aware of the demand. They’ve acknowledged that yes, the team is listening, and Spatial Audio over AirPlay is certainly “on the radar.” However, there’s a slight hiccup in the flow.

Right now, the company’s top priority is ironing out issues with the app experience following the heavily botched redesign a few months ago. Smart? Absolutely! After all, you can’t throw in Dolby Atmos if your core app isn’t running smoothly, right? That’s where Sonos’ current focus lies — getting the essentials back on track before rolling out these next-level features.

The best part? Users seem to agree with Sonos’ careful approach. On Reddit, people have been cheering for the prioritization of stability over new features. In this day and age, that’s saying something.

So, will Sonos speakers get Dolby Atmos over AirPlay? It’s not a question of if, but when. The company is committed to delivering the goods, but for now, they’re ensuring the house is in order before the new party guests arrive.

For Sonos fans, the wait continues — but hey, the good news is that they’re listening. So, keep an ear out because Spatial Audio over AirPlay is definitely on the horizon.