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ATV 4K has been updated and now everything plays in Atmos.

  • February 18, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 220 views
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Apple has released a beta for Apple TV (tvOS 26.4)


In this update: "It appears that Apple added this new setting (Continuous Audio Connection), in part, to address complaints from Apple TV users who use Sonos speakers paired with AV receivers. Some users have indicated they hear popping noises or awkwardly low volume levels on certain channels, specifically with 5.1-channel content."

When I open my SONOS App it now shows that EVERYTHING I play from ATV is in Dolby Atmos, these are TV programs that I am 100% sure are not played in Atmos.

It says: “Apple TV uses a Dolby MAT connection for glitch-free playback across formats. Older receivers may indicate an Atmos connection, but original mixes will not be modified.”

 

I know it's a beta but it will be interesting to follow and see if they fix the bug.

The article can be read here: tvOS 26.4 adds new ‘Continuous Audio Connection’ on Apple TV

 

My setup: Samsung S90C - ATV 4K Gen 2 - Arc Ultra - 2x Era 300 - Sub 4.

6 replies

R
  • RinkeVW
  • Lyricist I
  • February 18, 2026

Have you read the tooltip?

’Apple TV uses a Dolby MAT connection for glitch-free playback across formats. Older receivers may indicate an Atmos connection, but original mixes will not be modified.’

 

With the new Continuous Audio Connection, using Dolby MAT on everything, Sonos will register everything as Atmos, it’s not playing Atmos on everything though, only on Atmos content. 5.1 will play as 5.1, it just has a Atmos badge at this moment. 

 

I’m sure there will be an update where Sonos can differentiate the Dolby MAT having Atmos metadata or not.

    Airgetlam
    • Airgetlam
    • February 18, 2026

    And for now, Sonos still doesn’t support/chase beta releases, I suspect to many hours chasing things that may or may not actually release. If Sonos were to make any changes, I’d expect it to be after Apple releases 26.4 as a final release, and not before. 

    Bruce
    AjTrek1
    • AjTrek1
    • February 19, 2026

    I have to say it…

    I’m glad Sonos makes its beta testers sign NDA’s. IMO it’s articles like the one sited by the OP and then posted in a community like this that do more harm than good.

    I’m an Apple “fanboy” even in my advanced years. Some might say I live and breathe Apple; and also Sonos 😂. However, that’s my business...each to their own.

    However, I hate that Apple software beta’s; unlike Sonos, always seem to make it into the wild before it’s time (admittedly with the exception of the Sonos App debacle in 2024). Frankly, this ATV update regarding Dolby Atmos and popping issues in soundbars apparently has nothing to do with Sonos and never has.

    That said….is enough.

     

    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
      buzz
      • buzz
      • February 19, 2026

      In the past Apple has had a habit of making late changes just before releasing an update. 3rd parties working with the beta’s got blindsided by the formal release. Of course the in-house Apple applications were updated and worked. This causes Apple users accuse the 3rd parties as being incompetent and vow to avoid 3rd party applications.

      I am not an Apple “fanboy”, but I have an iPad that I must use for work applications.

      melvimbe
      • melvimbe
      • February 19, 2026

      In the past Apple has had a habit of making late changes just before releasing an update. 3rd parties working with the beta’s got blindsided by the formal release. Of course the in-house Apple applications were updated and worked. This causes Apple users accuse the 3rd parties as being incompetent and vow to avoid 3rd party applications.

      I am not an Apple “fanboy”, but I have an iPad that I must use for work applications.

       

      From what I’ve seen, when there is any issues between integrations with Apple/Googe/Amazon and smaller company’s hardware or software, the default assumption is that the smaller company is to blame.  It doesn’t really matter what sort of communication and timing occurred.

      Danny
        Mr. T
        • Mr. T
        • February 19, 2026

        … Of course the in-house Apple applications were updated and worked.

        If only Sonos had followed that philosophy when they released the new app…

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