Apple TV Streams Austin Grand Prix With Dolby Atmos

Apple TV subscribers in the United States now have access to Formula 1 coverage featuring Dolby Atmos audio. The audio upgrade activates for this weekend's United States Grand Prix, marking the first time a Formula 1 race is broadcast in this specific format. The change began rolling out on Friday, October 23, following an announcement made earlier in the month by Apple and Dolby Laboratories.

The company describes the audio configuration as a way to place viewers at the center of the event. Apple states that the system captures specific sounds from team radios, commentary, and engines. It aims to reproduce the intensity of on-track battles and pit lane activity. The service pairs this spatial audio with Dolby Vision, a visual technology that Apple says provides rich color and clear imagery for the broadcast.

Practice 1 has already concluded at the Circuit of The Americas. Subscribers can still view the remaining sessions in high definition with spatial sound. Practice 2 is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at 5 p.m. ET. Saturday, October 24, brings Practice 3 at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5 p.m. ET. The main race is set for Sunday, October 25, at 4 p.m. ET.

Apple will hold a live viewing event for Sunday's race at its Domain NORTHSIDE store in Austin, Texas. The same location hosted the launch of the iPhone Duo on Friday, attended by Apple CEO John Ternus and retail chief Deirdre O'Brien. The store's proximity to the track allows fans to gather for the broadcast.

The company has also updated Apple Maps for the event. A new Detailed City Experience for Austin includes a specific map of the Circuit of The Americas. This digital layer adds turn numbers, grandstand locations, and 3D landmarks to assist visitors in navigating the venue. The update is part of a wider push to integrate Formula 1 into the Apple ecosystem.

Apple TV is available for $14.99 per month or as part of the Apple One bundle. The subscription service also streams original content, including series such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Studio, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Silo.