Spatial audio has become one of the most talked-about features in high-end headphones in the last few years. It makes the sound feel like it’s coming from all around you, not just from two sides.
You might be wondering, “Do Beats Studio 3 have spatial audio?” if you are thinking about buying a pair or already own one.
The short answer is that the Beats Studio 3 doesn’t support native Apple Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a spatial-like experience with them.
There are ways to make the listening experience better than just stereo, thanks to Apple’s software ecosystem and some smart audio processing. We’ll talk about what’s possible, how to get the best sound, and whether Studio 3 is still worth it in 2025 in this article.
What Is Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos)
Spatial audio is a cutting-edge sound technology that makes you feel like there is depth, direction, and space around you. Spatial audio puts sound in a 360-degree space, while traditional stereo only plays sound from the left and right channels. It feels like music, movies, or games are happening all around you, like being in a concert hall or movie theater.
Dolby Atmos is one of the most popular formats that makes this technology work. It is now the standard for immersive audio on streaming services, in games, and in Apple Music. With Dolby Atmos or Apple Spatial Audio, it sounds like the vocals are coming from the front, the instruments are spread out across the room, and the ambient effects move in a natural way.
For instance, when you listen to a live concert recording with spatial audio, you might feel the crowd behind you, the guitar on your right, and the singer right in front of you. Regular headphones can’t do this.
This is why so many consumers are seeking headphones that support spatial audio natively. It’s not just a gimmick — it truly enhances the way we experience sound.
Technical Capabilities of Beats Studio 3
To understand why the Beats Studio 3 doesn’t support native spatial audio, we need to look at its technical foundation. These headphones were originally released in 2017 and were designed with Apple’s W1 chip for easy pairing and stable connectivity within the Apple ecosystem.
While this was cutting-edge at the time, the W1 chip does not support head tracking or dynamic spatial audio processing, which is required for Apple’s official Spatial Audio feature.
Beats Studio 3 supports standard Bluetooth audio streaming with codecs like AAC (ideal for Apple devices) and SBC (a more universal codec). These codecs deliver clear, high-quality audio — but they don’t carry Dolby Atmos data natively like newer chipsets such as Apple’s H1 or H2.
Here are a few key technical points to note:
- Chipset: Apple W1 chip (no dynamic spatial audio support)
- Codecs: AAC and SBC (no LDAC or aptX support)
- Bluetooth Version: Class 1 Bluetooth (strong range, but no spatial data transmission)
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours with ANC, 40 hours without ANC
These limitations don’t mean Studio 3 delivers poor sound — in fact, its noise cancellation and bass-heavy tuning remain strong even in 2025. But it does explain why spatial audio isn’t built in.
That said, Apple Music can still up-mix stereo tracks to spatial audio at the software level on compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This gives Studio 3 users a pseudo-spatial effect, though it’s not as accurate or immersive as true spatial audio with head tracking.
Can You Get Spatial Audio with the Beats Studio 3? Practical Workarounds & App Settings
Even though Beats Studio 3 doesn’t have native spatial audio support, there are smart workarounds that can help you enjoy a more immersive listening experience — especially if you’re using Apple devices. Apple’s software is capable of simulating spatial audio effects, even on headphones that weren’t originally built for it.
Here’s how you can make the most out of your Beats Studio 3 in 2025:
A. Apple Music Spatial Audio (Software Level)
Apple Music now automatically up-mixes stereo tracks into a spatial-like format. When you connect your Beats Studio 3 to an iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings → Music → Dolby Atmos → Always On.
- This forces Apple Music to play supported tracks with a simulated spatial audio effect.
- You’ll feel a wider soundstage and better instrument separation.
B. iOS Sound Enhancements & EQ Settings
Enabling headphone accommodations or customizing the EQ can make the audio more layered and spacious. To enable it:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Headphone Accommodations.
- Toggle on Custom Audio Setup to personalize the sound.
This doesn’t create real Dolby Atmos, but it expands the audio field, giving a pseudo-spatial experience.
C. Streaming Apps with Built-in Effects
Some third-party apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Tidal offer enhanced sound playback. While Studio 3 won’t process Dolby Atmos on its own, your device can render it and downmix to stereo with a wider spatial feel.
D. Wired Connection to External Processors
For true audio enthusiasts, connecting Studio 3 through a DAC or Dolby Atmos receiver can simulate 3D sound more accurately. This setup isn’t for everyone, but for audiophiles, it can make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Keep your iPhone or iPad updated to the latest iOS version. Apple constantly refines audio algorithms, and even older headphones can benefit from these software upgrades.
How Beats Studio 3 compares to Headphones with Native Spatial Audio Support
In 2025, many premium and mid-range headphones will offer native Dolby Atmos or Apple Spatial Audio support. To help you decide whether Beats Studio 3 is still the right fit, here’s a quick comparison between Studio 3 and other popular spatial audio headphones.
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | AirPods Max (Apple) | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Beats Studio Pro (Newer) |
| Spatial Audio | ❌ No (software only) | ✅ Native with head tracking | ✅ Native Dolby Atmos | ✅ Native Dolby Atmos |
| Chip | W1 | H1 | Custom Sony Processor | USB-C DAC, Spatial Ready |
| Codec Support | AAC, SBC | AAC, Apple Spatial | LDAC, SBC, AAC | Lossless USB-C, AAC |
| Head Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Launch Price | $349 | $549 | $399 | $349 |
While Beats Studio 3 still delivers solid sound, it clearly lags behind newer models in immersive audio capabilities. If spatial audio is a must-have feature, headphones like AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM5, or Beats Studio Pro offer a richer experience.
However, if your main priority is strong bass, noise cancellation, and long battery life, Studio 3 remains a reliable and cost-effective option — especially since its price has dropped significantly over time.
Should You Buy Beats Studio 3 If Spatial Audio Is Important?
The answer depends entirely on your listening goals. If you’re an Apple ecosystem user who enjoys Apple Music and wants a casual spatial-like audio experience, then Beats Studio 3 can still deliver impressive sound quality, even without true spatial audio support.
✅ Reasons to buy Studio 3 in 2025:
- Excellent noise cancellation for the price.
- Stable and seamless connection with iPhone and iPad.
- Long battery life — up to 22 hours with ANC.
- More affordable now compared to launch.
❌ Reasons to upgrade:
- No native Dolby Atmos or dynamic head tracking.
- Older W1 chip with no advanced audio processing.
- Competitors offer richer, more immersive sound.
If spatial audio is at the top of your list, it’s better to invest in AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM5, or Beats Studio Pro. But if you simply want great sound with strong bass and reliable performance, Studio 3 still stands strong.
Final Thoughts
Beats Studio 3 doesn’t support spatial audio out of the box, but that doesn’t mean it’s not useful. Apple’s software ecosystem lets users hear a wider, more immersive soundstage, even with older headphones. That’s enough for a lot of people to enjoy music, podcasts, or movies in a more interesting way.
But if you really want Dolby Atmos with head tracking or are an audiophile, buying a newer pair of headphones with H1/H2 chips or Dolby-ready hardware will make a big difference in how you hear things.
Bottom line: Beats Studio 3 may not have true spatial audio — but it’s still a powerful, comfortable, and capable pair of headphones in 2025.
FAQs
Q1: Do Beats Studio 3 support Apple Spatial Audio?
No, they don’t support native Spatial Audio, but Apple Music can simulate a spatial effect.
Q2: Can I enable Dolby Atmos on Beats Studio 3?
You can enable Dolby Atmos in Apple Music settings to experience an expanded soundstage, though it’s not true Atmos processing.
Q3: Are Beats Studio 3 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, if you want strong bass, great battery life, and ANC at a lower price. But not if spatial audio is your top priority.
Q4: Which Beats headphones support spatial audio natively?
Beats Studio Pro supports Dolby Atmos natively, unlike Beats Studio 3.