Apple TV streams Austin F1 race with Dolby Atmos audio

Apple and Dolby Laboratories confirmed earlier this month that Formula 1 coverage on Apple TV would gain Dolby Atmos support beginning with the Grand Prix weekend. The United States Grand Prix serves as the initial test for this format in the sport.

The audio upgrade began on Friday, October 23. Apple states that the surround sound design aims to place viewers at the center of the race weekend. The system captures team radio communications, commentary, engine noise, and on-track action. Apple describes the combination of Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision video as a method to enhance both visual clarity and sonic depth for fans.

Subscribers in the United States can access the remaining race sessions this weekend. First practice concluded prior to the announcement. Practice 2 is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at 5 p.m. ET. Practice 3 begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 24. Qualifying follows at 5 p.m. ET on the same day. The main race is set for Sunday, October 25, at 4 p.m. ET.

Apple is hosting a live screening of Sunday's race at its Domain NORTHSIDE store in Austin, Texas. The location also hosted Apple CEO John Ternus and retail chief Deirdre O'Brien on Friday for the launch of the iPhone Duo. The company prepared the venue for fans by expanding its Detailed City Experience in Apple Maps to include Austin. The map features the Circuit of The Americas with turn numbers, grandstands, and 3D landmarks.

Apple TV is available for $14.99 per month or as part of the Apple One bundle. The service includes other programming such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Studio, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Silo. The network has not announced if other Formula 1 races will adopt the Dolby Atmos format after the Austin event.

The shift represents a specific technical change for the broadcast infrastructure. It allows for a more detailed audio experience compared to standard stereo feeds. The company did not provide data on how many subscribers have enabled the new audio setting since the Friday update. The focus remains on the Austin circuit as the primary venue for this initial rollout.