AirPods Pro “Center” moves while using Spatial Audio

EZelins924,

Is the paired device updated to the latest iOS? If not, back up and Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

We would suggest resetting the AirPods and pairing them again with the your iPhone. Here's How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro. Then test spatial audio to see if this issue continues.

Keep us updated on the results.

Hello EZelins924,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We understand that spatial audio on your AirPods with iPhone is not working as expected. We’d like to help.

You are correct that this behavior with spatial audio would not be expected and sounds more like what you would expect if spatial audio was turned off or not active.

Take a look at the information in Control spatial audio on AirPods with iPhone, specifically the section under “Turn off dynamic head tracking.” Is dynamic head tracking off on your device?

Is spatial audio enabled but not active for the audio you’re listening to? Check out “Control spatial audio and see the status in Control Center” in Listen with spatial audio for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Something we’d like to point out is that “Some device settings, including Follow iPhone, Balance, Mono audio, and Headphone Accommodations, can affect how spatial audio works.”

Have a nice day.

EZelins924,

What happens when you listen to a demonstration of spatial audio? Follow the section under "Turn on spatial audio" in Listen with spatial audio for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. "To listen to a demonstration of spatial audio, tap See & Hear How It Works. You can switch from stereo audio to spatial audio to hear the difference between them." Does the demonstration sound as expected?

After trying that, start playing content with spatial audio and check Control Center for the status. The section under "Control spatial audio and see the status in Control Center" in the resource linked above explains the status icons. Is spatial audio enabled and active? What status icon are you seeing?

Take care.

EZelins924,

If you're experiencing the issue even when listening to the demonstration, as a next step we would advise reaching out to Apple Support directly. Here's how to Get Support.

Cheers.