Apple Adds 3 HomePod 2 Features via Free Update as New Apple TV 4K Enables 4-Speaker Surround
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Oct 16
Apple Adds 3 HomePod 2 Features via Free Update as New Apple TV 4K Enables 4-Speaker Surround
3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Oct 16
Summary
Three software features are coming to the existing HomePod 2 for free: Sound Glow lighting effects, default Mac speaker support, and a new surround-sound setup with Apple TV 4K.
Sound Glow requires an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone and makes the HomePod’s top surface pulse with music, using album-art colors and real-time bass and treble reactions.
Mac support will let users set HomePod 2 as the default speaker rather than relying on standard AirPlay, with compatibility limited to Wi-Fi 6E or newer Mac desktops and laptops.
Four-speaker surround works only with the new 4th-generation Apple TV 4K, using matching pairs of four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod 2 units as front and rear speakers.
Apple did not give a release date, but the features are expected to arrive later this month with iOS 27.2 and HomePod 27.2.