Apple unveiled three new Home products this week: HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K. While there’s no new full-size HomePod launching, Apple did announce three features coming to the existing HomePod 2 via a free software update.
#1: Sound Glow
If you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, your HomePod will get the new Sound Glow feature that’s also coming to HomePod mini 2.
Per Apple’s webpage for HomePod (2nd generation): “with Sound Glow, the top of your HomePod lights up with colors that match your album artwork, pulsing in tune with the music.”
The HomePod mini 2 announcement adds more details, which hopefully will be the same on the larger HomePod:
With Sound Glow, the top of HomePod mini transforms into a visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with the music, reacting in real time to bass and treble. The song’s album artwork from Now Playing generates a color-matched light experience that’s unique to every song, and users can pick a soundscape like rain to trigger bespoke animations for a soothing atmosphere.
#2: Default speaker for Mac
Apple has long let you use a HomePod as a speaker for your Mac via AirPlay. But soon, you’ll be able to set HomePod as the default Mac speaker for a more seamless, reliable connection.
Like Sound Glow, Apple announced this feature for HomePod mini 2, but its fine print says:
Compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later.
So if you want to upgrade your Mac speaker setup with the HomePod, or a stereo pair of HomePods, that will soon be easier than ever.
#3: Surround sound with four HomePods and Apple TV 4K
If you want the best, all-Apple home theater experience, a new surround sound feature for HomePod and Apple TV 4K will deliver that.
Exclusive to the new Apple TV 4K (4th gen), users can set up four HomePods—two as front speakers, two as rear—for a more immersive audio experience.
From Apple’s press release:
Home theater surround sound requires four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers in matching pairs (front and rear), paired with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) running the latest operating system software.
Apple hasn’t yet confirmed when these new features are launching on HomePod, but they’re expected to debut with iOS 27.2 and HomePod 27.2 later this month.
Are you planning to use any of the HomePod’s new features? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple Home accessories
- eufy 4K camera with HomeKit Secure Video
- Aqara Smart Lock with Apple Home Key and UWB
- HomeKit Garage Door Opener
- HomeKit smart plug 4-pack
- Aqara Smart Thermostat with Adaptive Temperature
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