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Apple Music has turned the switch on its previously announced live streaming and spatial audio features. Starting now, if you’ve installed the latest iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates, you’ll be able to stream selected tracks in both standard lossless/CD-quality and lossless HD audio (if you have an external DAC for the latter).
Apple said both features would arrive “today” during the WWDC keynote, but it took several hours after the event before customers started seeing them appear in the app. It still likely won’t be the case if you haven’t received the offering yet. Server-side update from Apple.
Be aware that lossless audio files take up significantly more storage space when downloading and also copy more data when they are streamed. You can search all technical details and FAQs here. Standard AAC streaming remains the default unless you switch your preference to Lossless in the Music app section of iOS Settings.
Apple has stated that more than 20 million songs will be available in high quality at launch, with no loss to the entire Apple Music catalog of more than 75 million tracks by the end of 2021. It’s not available for purchase, and you can’t upgrade or get music purchased from Through iTunes Match.
Lossless audio is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV 4K. HomePod and HomePod Mini support will be added after a future software update.
Today is the first time that you can also experience spatial audio on Apple Music. Millions of music tracks now offer immersive mixes powered by Dolby Atmos technology that Apple claims provides “true multi-dimensional sound and clarity.” There will be a much smaller selection of spatial audio tracks than there will be uncompromised, however, Apple promises “thousands” of spatial audio tracks on day one with more to follow.
The company has compiled several playlists to showcase the Atmos spatial sound experience across different music genres. Other companies like Tidal and Amazon also offer these “surround sound” audio formats.
Both features are now included as part of a standard Apple Music subscription. More and more music services are offering lossless audio, and those that have already – like Amazon Music HD – are cutting the extra fees they previously charged to enjoy it.
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