Head-Related Transfer Function Gaining Attention in Pop Science

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) began on June 6 with the keynote address that introduced consumers to upcoming upgrades and features in their product portfolio.

This year, personalized spatial sound perception was on the menu.

Head-related transfer function (HRTF) is a mathematical model that takes head, pinna, and ear canal measurements into consideration when processing acoustic information. HRTF is unique to each person due to the variability of all of these factors and personal HRFT application to enhance the sonic experience in headphone/earbuds was previously limited due to technology constraints.

However, Apple reports that the new iOS 16 platform in conjunction with iPhones equipped with “TrueDepth” camera system will allow custom HRTF measures to create a custom soundscape.

The increased accuracy in spatial sound delivery will have application across multiple listening experiences. 

Reference

Lang B. (2022) Apple’s iPhone will soon scan your ear to solve a big problem with spatial audio. Road to VR. June 6.