Apple appears to have quietly fixed one of the more frustrating audio issues affecting some Apple TV users.
In the latest tvOS 26.4 beta, a new feature called Continuous Audio Connection aims to resolve long-standing sound problems. These issues have been reported by people using Sonos speakers alongside AV receivers.
The new setting works by maintaining a consistent Dolby MAT connection, even as audio formats switch mid-playback. In theory, that should prevent the dropouts and level inconsistencies some users have experienced when moving between Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround content.
The issue has primarily affected viewers running Sonos systems through AV receivers. Common complaints include crackling noises and noticeably quieter output when watching 5.1 multichannel PCM content. Atmos tracks, by comparison, often sounded significantly louder, creating an uneven listening experience.
Early reports suggest the fix is doing its job. Several users on Reddit’s Sonos community said enabling Continuous Audio Connection immediately solved their volume imbalance issues. One user noted that 5.1 content now sounds “just as great as Atmos,” while another pointed out that previous workarounds, such as disabling eARC or forcing Dolby Digital output, are no longer necessary.
Apple does warn that some legacy receivers may display a Dolby Atmos indicator when the feature is active, even if the source material isn’t Atmos. However, the company says the original audio format remains unchanged.
That said, the update isn’t universally praised. A separate thread has surfaced with some users claiming the new setting can introduce issues when streaming standard stereo content. This suggests the feature may still need refinement.
As tvOS 26.4 is currently in developer beta, Apple has time to tweak the functionality before a wider public rollout. If the final release holds up, though, this could be a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for Apple TV owners with Sonos setups. This would be especially meaningful for those who’ve been juggling audio settings just to get consistent surround sound.
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