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# isSpatialAudioEnabled

A Boolean value that indicates whether the port supports spatial audio playback.

```
var isSpatialAudioEnabled: Bool { get }
```

## Discussion

This property is only relevant in the context of ports that have a small number of hardware channels (typically 2), but have enhanced capabilities for playing multichannel content.

When you create a “Now Playing” app, inform the system if the app supports multichannel audio content by using [`setSupportsMultichannelContent(_:)`](/documentation/AVFAudio/AVAudioSession/setSupportsMultichannelContent(_:)). To detect changes in user preferences that affect spatial audio playback, register to receive the notification by using [`spatialPlaybackCapabilitiesChangedNotification`](/documentation/AVFAudio/AVAudioSession/spatialPlaybackCapabilitiesChangedNotification).

Some port types — like USB and HDMI — may support multichannel playback because they have hardware formats supporting more than 2 channels. For example, many HDMI receivers connect to many speakers and are capable of rendering 5.1, 7.1, or other popular surround sound formats. Use [`setPreferredOutputNumberOfChannels(_:)`](/documentation/AVFAudio/AVAudioSession/setPreferredOutputNumberOfChannels(_:)) to set the preferred number of hardware channels, and query the number of channels by using [`maximumOutputNumberOfChannels`](/documentation/AVFAudio/AVAudioSession/maximumOutputNumberOfChannels).

For more information about “Now Playing” apps, see <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/MediaPlayer/becoming-a-now-playable-app>.

---

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