Apple unveiled three new Home products this week: HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K. While there is no new full-size HomePod launching, Apple did announce three features coming to the existing HomePod (2nd generation) via a free software update.
The first feature is Sound Glow. If you have an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, your HomePod will get the new feature that is also coming to HomePod mini 2. Per Apple's webpage, "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 that the light reacts in real time to bass and treble, and users can pick a soundscape like rain to trigger bespoke animations.
The second feature lets you set a HomePod as the default Mac speaker. Apple has long allowed HomePods to serve as Mac speakers via AirPlay, but soon the connection will be more seamless and reliable. The feature is compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) on Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later.
The third feature is surround sound with four HomePods and Apple TV 4K. Exclusive to the new Apple TV 4K (4th generation), users can set up four HomePods, with two as front speakers and two as rear, for a more immersive audio experience. The setup requires matching pairs of speakers and the latest operating system software.
Apple has not yet confirmed when these features will launch on HomePod, but they are expected to debut with iOS 27.2 and HomePod 27.2 later this month.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing