Apple has released tvOS 18.5 to solve a long-standing delay in the audio format Dolby Atmos that was affecting any Apple TV 4K system which streamed Dolby Atmos to a soundbar or wireless speakers. The firmware now syncs the playback of Dolby Atmos via AirPlay and Bluetooth to fix sound delivery, meaning that you can once again enjoy immersive, lag free audio. Users simply have to recalibrate using the updated Wireless Audio Sync—using the microphone on an iPhone, users can measure and correct audio latency in seconds.
Introduction
Did you ever hear audio lagging behind video while you streamed a movie or show on your Apple TV 4K? Have your dialogue been behind actor’s lips or explosions just late? You are not the only one. Frustration sets in for many home theater lovers when they are noticing audio delays disconnect their wireless speakers when they are streaming a Dolby Atmos movie. Just a hiccup during a movie night.
What Is tvOS 18.5?
tvOS 18.5 is Apple’s most recent firmware launch for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. The firmware was released on May 13, 2025. The update is fairly minor in terms of what features are included. Primarily it is including updates for performance and stability. The marquee feature for this firmware is Dolby Atmos synchronization via AirPlay and Bluetooth.
Why Dolby Atmos Is Important
Dolby Atmos is a spatial audio format that does a fantastic job of taking you away to a natural three-dimensional soundscape, with raindrops falling around you, jets flying…while it’s not absolutely essential for an immersive home theater experience, the immersive experience it provides is totally the best option, and it’s a major selling point of Apple TV 4K, especially in conjunction with Atmos compatible soundbars or HomePods; that said, if your Atmos might not work as intended, along comes Apple Airplay.
The Audio Delay Problem
For months, Reddit threads and Apple Support forums lit up with complaints: dialogue out of sync, sound effects lagging, and lip sync discrepancies were so bad in some cases that people disabled Dolby Atmos altogether . The workaround was to set their Apple TV back to plain old 5.1 surround sound and give up the dimensional audio experience.
Apple’s Official Resolution
Starting with the release of tvOS 18.5, Apple has now expanded the Wireless Audio Sync capability first launched in tvOS 13, to support Dolby Atmos calibration. According to Apple’s release notes:
This update adds AirPlay or Bluetooth-based speaker sync capabilities for Dolby Atmos playback.
How Wireless Audio Sync works
The Wireless Audio Sync tool plays a test tone through your TV’s speakers as your iPhone’s microphone measures latency. Next the system applies automatic delays, so that we get perfect audio and video sync – even in AirPlay or Bluetooth scenarios.
Step By Step Calibration Instructions
- Turn on your Apple TV 4K.
- Open up the Settings app.
- Select Video and Audio.
- Scroll down to Wireless Audio Sync.
- Follow the on screen prompts, bringing your iPhone (case off) close to the TV while it is playing the test tones.
The entire calibration process takes seconds, and only needs to be repeated if you change your speaker arrangement.
What are the Benefits of the update?
- Seamless Audio: You will have no more lip sync or delayed effects.
- True Atmos experience: Full spatial audio, wirelessly.
- Quick Calibration: One time calibration set up, under a minute.
- Future Proof: Set up for more Atmos content on streaming services.
Conclusion
tvOS 18.5 Dolby Atmos sync is a quick fix whilch now makes your Apple TV 4K a real wireless home theatre monster! Think of the Wireless Audio Sync calibration as the last piece of the puzzle in taking crisp immersive sound to a stunning 4K picture without any cables.
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