iOS 9.3 brings Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 to iPad, iPhone, iPod

The new iPhone SE and iPad Pro 9.7 may have stolen the headlines at Apple's March event, but there was also an interesting update within iOS 9.3 - support for Dolby Digital Plus in 7.1-channel audio.

The update is available for compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch models and allows you to enjoy movies and TVs show that have a Dolby Audio soundtrack in their full glory.

If you're wondering how you'd benefit on a 4-inch phone, you can of course hook your iOS device up to an AV receiver using Apple’s Lightning to AV Adapter.

MORE: Apple iPhone SE hands-on review

And despite the new iPad Pro 9.7 sporting the same four-speaker system that can be found in the larger iPad Pro, we think this is probably the better audio news for Apple-loving AV fans.

All devices that were able to support iOS 8, including the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and the first generation iPad Mini, will get this latest update.

The latest version of the Apple TV streaming box was given the gift of 7.1 Dolby Digital decoding at the end of last year, an improvement on the 5.1 Dolby Digital pass through available on the previous model.

MORE: Apple iPad Pro 9.7 hands-on review

Max Langridge

Max is a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?'s sister site, TechRadar, in Australia. But being the wonderful English guy he is, he helps out with content across a number of Future sites, including What Hi-Fi?. It wouldn't be his first exposure to the world of all things hi-fi and home cinema, as his first role in technology journalism was with What Hi-Fi? in the UK. Clearly he pined to return after making the move to Australia and the team have welcomed him back with arms wide open.

Latest in Smartphones & Tablets
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
a series of ipad airs on a blue background
There's already a new Apple iPad Air – but it's not got a key Pro feature we want
a series of ipad airs on a blue background
iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: what's the difference?
iPhone 16 Plus smartphone
Got an old iPhone? We'll help you decide on how to upgrade
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
iPhone 16e vs Sony Xperia 10 VI: what are the differences?
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position