Dolby Atmos planned for race coverage
Formula 1® coverage on Apple TV is scheduled to add Dolby Atmos on Friday, October 23, giving U.S. subscribers another audio format for race weekends (opens in a new tab). The first event will be Formula 1® MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix™ 2026, whose coverage has a resolution of 4K. Dolby Laboratories and Apple announced the addition today.
- Works with
- Supported Apple devices, plus compatible TVs, soundbars and home theater systems enabled for Dolby formats
- Formats
- Dolby Atmos joins existing Dolby Vision coverage
- Available
- Rollout starts Friday, October 23; U.S. Apple TV subscription required
Dolby says the upcoming Dolby Atmos audio will include commentary, exchanges over team radio, engine sounds and activity in the pit lane. The addition will accompany Dolby Vision, which has been part of the coverage since the season opened. U.S. subscribers are set to receive both formats across every Formula 1® race weekend, exclusively through Apple TV.
Subscription access and race viewing options
Watching Formula 1® requires an Apple TV subscription in the U.S., where Apple TV has exclusive rights to the coverage. Viewers can use the Apple TV app on Apple devices that it supports. Live viewing and on-demand access cover each race, plus practice, qualifying and Sprint sessions.
Multiview gives viewers control over their race viewing arrangement. A single tap selects a team layout that pairs onboard feeds with the main broadcast. For live information during the race, viewers can choose the dedicated Podium and Data Multiviews.
The subscription also includes analysis and exclusive originals as part of its programming. Third-party branded subscription services fall outside that subscription, as do titles rented or purchased through the Apple TV app.
John Couling, Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Dolby Laboratories, described the intended experience: "Now, with Dolby Atmos joining Dolby Vision for Formula 1 on Apple TV, we're setting a new bar for how fans experience the sights and sounds of the sport."