Apple is developing new incentives to encourage music artists and labels to embrace spatial audio technology. The company plans to reward content producers who utilize Dolby Atmos, according to anonymous sources familiar with the initiative.
This 3D sound format creates an immersive listening experience that mirrors how humans perceive directional soundwaves. While Apple Music added initial Atmos support last year, not all streaming services are capable of this technology yet.
The program would provide financial perks – like higher royalty payments – to entice established artists and labels to re-mix their songs using Atmos. This spatialized content would receive promotional boosts within Apple’s algorithms and playlists.
Consumers wouldn’t be required to own specific Apple hardware to access these Atmos tracks though. The program aims to expand the library of immersive audio available to all Apple Music subscribers.
There are also questions around how existing music catalogues could integrate Atmos. Record companies may evaluate selectively reworking older songs and albums to bring them into the 3D era if economically worthwhile.
While details are still emerging, the initiative could accelerate Atmos adoption across the industry. It represents Apple’s ongoing efforts to establish leading positions with innovative audio technologies through platforms like AirPods and HomePod. For artists and fans, a more vibrant spatial audio future may be on the horizon.
