Owners of LG TVs can now enjoy music in Dolby Atmos after the latest update to the Apple Music app added support for the immersive sound format.
Update: LG has provided further details saying that 2018 or later (webOS 4.0 or later) LG Smart TVs are compatible. Apple Music's Dolby Atmos also works on LG Smart TVs that do not support Dolby Atmos if a 2023 or 2024 LG soundbar is connected. In addition, LG Smart TVs "can also directly connect to Apple AirPod or other Apple devices via Bluetooth to enjoy Dolby Atmos". A 3-month free trial of Apple Music is offered to users worldwide within the Apple Music app on the LG TV.
Previously, for TV and home cinema devices, Apple Music's Dolby Atmos support was limited to Apple TV 4K, HomePods, and Sonos soundbars via the Sonos app.
While you can enjoy Dolby Atmos music by connecting Apple TV 4K via HDMI to a compatible soundbar or receiver, Atmos has not been accessible directly from the Apple Music app available on many Smart TVs.
LG is first out the gate
LG has now become the first TV maker to support Apple Music's Dolby Atmos, with the latest update to the Apple Music app.
FlatpanelsHD has confirmed that it works on an LG GX OLED model from 2020, suggesting compatibility with all Dolby Atmos-compatible LG TV models from 2020 onwards. At this time, we cannot confirm whether it also works on older LG TV models. LG has supported Dolby Atmos in TVs since the 2017 generation.
Dolby Atmos playing in the Apple Music app on an LG GX OLED TV from 2020. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
To enjoy music in Dolby Atmos as intended, you need a compatible music system with multiple speakers. Technically, Dolby Atmos music is supported with the built-in speakers in LG's TVs, but the effect is not very good.
In addition to Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal also support music in Dolby Atmos, though it is not currently working through their Smart TV apps. Spotify has yet to roll out support for Dolby Atmos and lossless music quality.
Check the settings in the Apple Music app on your LG TV to see if Dolby Atmos is enabled. Photo: FlatpanelsHD
