[archon]

I would guess that the number of people listening to this media on anything higher quality than the built-in speakers on a 65-inch TV is minuscule. They’re optimizing for sound on an iPad, not a full surround sound setup.

[TylerE]

Even iPads, especially new the newer ones, actually have fairly competent speakers. Much better than most tvs.

[crazygringo]

The thing is, if you watch using AirPods on your iPad with spatial audio, it's actually far better than the vast majority of people's actual surround sound setups.

I never cared much about surround sound until the AirPods got spatial audio. Now it's like I can't live without it.

[griomnib]

Yup. That’s my guess as well, but on the other hand there is a pretty large industry serving the many people who do have a decent home theater system (and even some where it’s more “theater” than “home”).

As somebody who has a very nice (and expensive) 5.1 set up, I’m legitimately a bit worried about this trend.

[NewJazz]

Then make it opt in