3D Spatial Audio – "follow iPhone" on or off?

[lars666]

Okay, I googled for a definite answer to this question a LOT, but I still don't get it ... Do you turn "follow iPhone/iPad" for 3D audio on or off? As it is the default setting and most people seem to leave it on, I guess it's the "right" setting – however, I fail to understand the difference and why it would be more preferable than follow the movement of my head. As least if it is put this way in the toggle description, second option sounds more like what 3D audio tries to achieve.

Don't know if the same setting will also be used by the new Apple Music 3D format, too, and if yes: If – having my iPhone in the jeans pocket for example – enabling "follow iPhone" still will be the wiser choice than head following.

Yes, I am confused.

 

[Ralfi]

I think I understand.

For me, i'd want all audio with a video source (movies) to follow device, since I want these sounds to be 'stuck' to the screen i'm meant to watching the video on. What's the point of having the audio from movies follow your head, when you're looking away from the screen?

But all audio-only sources to follow head movement - if a music artist decides to make an album with Spatial Audio, & you have your device in your pocket with the 'follow device' enabled, then most of the audio will be coming from the side your pocket's on. Whereas if you switch audio-only sources to follow head movement, then both the Stereo & Spatial Audio effects will always be aligned properly, whether you're sitting on the couch or walking down the street with your device in your pocket/bag.

 

[bigshot]

With a screen the size of an iPhone, the head tracking really isn't that necessary. It isn't big enough to feel like a stage in front of you. Maybe it's more of a deal with a bigger iPad.

 

[japanime]

But all audio-only sources to follow head movement - if a music artist decides to make an album with Spatial Audio, & you have your device in your pocket with the 'follow device' enabled, then most of the audio will be coming from the side your pocket's on. Whereas if you switch audio-only sources to follow head movement, then both the Stereo & Spatial Audio effects will always be aligned properly, whether you're sitting on the couch or walking down the street with your device in your pocket/bag.

I think they way you describe it is exactly right. For audio-only, this would be ideal.

 

[lars666]

I think I understand.

For me, i'd want all audio with a video source (movies) to follow device, since I want these sounds to be 'stuck' to the screen i'm meant to watching the video on. What's the point of having the audio from movies follow your head, when you're looking away from the screen?

But all audio-only sources to follow head movement - if a music artist decides to make an album with Spatial Audio, & you have your device in your pocket with the 'follow device' enabled, then most of the audio will be coming from the side your pocket's on. Whereas if you switch audio-only sources to follow head movement, then both the Stereo & Spatial Audio effects will always be aligned properly, whether you're sitting on the couch or walking down the street with your device in your pocket/bag.

This is the way I would understand it, too – if this is correct, however, 3D audio hopefully is automatically set to follow the head when listening to music (or has a separate setting in "Music"). Surely wouldn't be a great solution to always have to switch this in the Accessibility settings.