With the release of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura, Apple introduced a new AirPods feature. The fresh addition, Personalized Spatial Audio, takes Dolby Atmos content to the next level by adapting to your unique ears' structures. To take advantage of this feature, you will first need an iPhone with the TrueDepth camera to set it up. This includes the iPhone X and newer models (excluding the SE variants). Afterward, all of your compatible and updated devices will automatically apply the personalized profile, assuming you're using the same Apple ID. Note that this feature also requires a supported AirPods model, which includes the AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, AirPods Max, and newer generations. To set up Personalized Spatial Audio using a Face ID iPhone, follow the steps below.
How to set up Personalized Spatial Audio for the AirPods
- Launch the Settings app after opening your AirPods case. Don't wear the AirPods, though, as your ears must remain in clear view.
- Click on the AirPods' name at the very top.
- Scroll down and tap on Personalized Spatial Audio.
- Select Personalize Spatial Audio.
4. Tap on Continue.
5. Make sure you're in a well-lit room, and follow the on-screen instruction that includes scanning your face and both ears using the front camera. Make sure your iPhone's media volume isn't muted to hear the audio guidance as the TrueDepth camera scans your ears.
6. Once the scanning concludes, the personalized profile will automatically sync to your iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch — assuming they meet the aforementioned criteria and the audio app you're using supports the technology.
Personally, I can't hear any difference in terms of audio immersion after enabling this feature on my iPhone 14 Pro and testing it with the AirPods Pro 2. Nonetheless, I've left it on just for the sake of it. If you're unhappy with it, you can disable it by navigating to the same section in the Settings app and clicking on the respective button. Nonetheless, it's a welcome feature that boosts Apple's wireless earbuds.
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Apple AirPods 3
- Noise Cancellation
- No
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Microphones
- Dual beamforming microphones
- IP rating
- IPX4
- Weight (earbuds)
- 0.15 ounces (4.28g)
- Dimensions (earbuds)
- 1.21 x 0.72 x 0.76 inches
The AirPods 3 have a similar design to the AirPods Pro but do not have silicone tips. If you do not like the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro, you can get the AirPods 3.
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Microphones
- Dual beamforming microphones, Inward-facing microphone
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth multipoint
- IP rating
- IPX4
- Supported codecs
- AAC, SBC
Despite their compact build, the AirPods Pro 2 pack in plenty of features, including active noise cancelation (ANC), Dolby Atmos content, and wireless charging.
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Apple AirPods Max
- Brand
- Apple
- Battery Life
- up to 20 hours
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Microphones
- 3
- Weight
- 13.6 ounces (384.8g)
Just like the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max come with ANC and Dolby Atmos support. However, the Max variant offers more audio immersion, thanks to its larger size and over-ear cups.
