Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to integrate Apple Spatial Audio into its vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz is integrating Apple Spatial Audio into some of its vehicles. Unique immersion in compatible vehicles.

After announcing it almost a year ago, Mercedes-Benz is finally ready to roll out Apple Music Spatial Audio in some of its high-end EVs. Dolby Atmos-based surround sound is already compatible with several Apple devices, including the HomePod smart speaker, Apple TV, and AirPods, but this is the first implementation in cars.

Mercedes-Benz is integrating Apple Spatial Audio into some of its vehicles

“Mercedes-Benz drivers who already subscribe to Apple Music have immediate access to a selection of songs and albums available on Audio Spatial, and this selection is constantly growing,”the two companies explained in a press release. And if you don’t subscribe to Apple Music, some Dolby Atmos content will also be available on Universal Music.

Unique immersion in compatible vehicles

This feature will be available in select EQS and EQE sedans and SUVs (including the new EQE SUV), as well as Mayback and S-Class. To use it, you must have a vehicle with MBUX interface and Burmester 3D or 4D sound systems with 31 speakers, an option that is not given. According to Mercedes, this technology will soon appear in other models.

Apple Music’s implementation of Dolby Atmos creates a 3D soundscape by streaming audio across multiple channels, but the overall perceived effect depends on the mix of the song. In the Mercedes implementation, the spatial sound effect will come from six of the 31 speakers above the driver. Other speakers: four close to the ears in the front seats, eight transducers (two per seat) and two 1750W amplifiers.