The Apple Spatial Audio Format – or ASAF for short – is a new spatial audio format that Apple plans to roll out broadly across its ecosystem.
Whether the world is truly waiting for yet another new audio format is debatable. But as long as it’s supported in source content (like films, games, and so on), it ultimately makes little difference to the end user. Apple recently announced the Apple Spatial Audio Format – as reported by sites like TechRadar. Though the news was somewhat overshadowed by the usual frenzy surrounding the now-concluded Worldwide Apple Developers Conference. Once you install the upcoming OS update on one of your Apple devices this fall, ASAF will become available.
ASAF introduces a new codec called APAC, which stands for Apple Positional Audio Codec. What makes the system unique is that it dynamically adjusts the soundstage based on both the location of on-screen objects and the listener’s position. It modifies reverb, echo, volume, and positional shifts in real time.
Made for Vision Pro
Naturally, ASAF fits perfectly with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which already supports head-tracking and other advanced features. Several of Apple’s in-ear and over-ear headphones also support head-tracking. At the same time, Apple continues to support Dolby Atmos, suggesting that both systems will coexist. And really, as long as users aren’t negatively affected, that seems just fine.