Apple TV+ Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound issue on Chromecast with Google TV comes to light; devs aware

Apple TV+ was launched on Chromecast with Google TV globally this very month. This ad-free subscription-based video-on-demand streaming service, allows members to watch various original movies, shows, and documentaries.

Google TV users can also watch all their iTunes movies and TV shows purchased by them previously. This little partnership of sorts is a pretty great start for smoother integration between the two services.

Nonetheless, every service or product comes with a few minor caveats, especially during its early days, and Apple TV+ is definitely no exception.

There have been a bunch of recent reports related to the service stating that the Chromecast with Google TV plays Apple TV+ audio on 2.0 stereo mode even when the content in question supports Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound.

@AppleTV your new app on the Chromecast with GoogleTV is cool but it won’t do Dolby 5.1 or Atmos on any library movie. Fix please?
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@AppleTV the Chromecast with Google TV won’t play my purchased movies in Atmos or even 5.1 surround sound instead it’s 2.0 stereo but ape TV+ content is surround sound! This might be a bug that needs fixing?
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Now, Google’s official announcement this month did not really make any mention of the Apple TV app supporting HDR (including Dolby Vision) or Dolby Atmos content.

But considering that the Chromecast with Google TV is capable of streaming HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos audio supported content, it only makes sense that the stuff from Apple TV should too.

Moreover, the replies from Google do not really deny Dolby Atmos support on the Apple TV+ app.

Thanks for your responses everyone! I’ve forwarded your notes to the Chromecast team, and if I hear any updates, I’ll be sure to post them to this thread.
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This further strengthens that the cause of it all isn’t that Apple TV+ lacks support for 5.1 surround. Rather, it is all just an issue that needs immediate fixing. After all, Dolby Atmos functions just fine on other apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Nonetheless, as clear from the above official responses, the Apple TV+ Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound issue on Chromecast should be fixed pretty soon if all goes well, now that the matter has been escalated.

There isn’t really any workaround available as of now and therefore, your best bet would be to simply wait for updates. As always, we will update this very article with new information when it arrives.

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