Apple has added support for surround sound on the 2026 Apple TV 4K and for Sound Glow on select HomePods, according to the tvOS 27.2 and HomePod Software 27.2 release candidates. Sound Glow, which makes the top of compatible HomePod models pulse with colors matching the audio being played, is now extended to the HomePod 2 and the original HomePod mini.
The changes follow Apple's "Welcome Home" event on October 13, where the Apple TV 4K and the smallest smart speaker received meaningful hardware upgrades. The new 2026 Apple TV 4K, priced at $300, offers a more powerful A18 chip, support for Siri AI, and far-field microphones for echo cancellation. Its new surround sound option works with four HomePod mini 2 units, four HomePod 2 speakers, or a combination of two HomePod mini 2 units and two HomePod 2 speakers.
Owners of the original HomePod mini and HomePod will not get surround sound support, though cheaper, better-sounding alternatives are available. Apple included the surround sound code in the tvOS 27.2 release candidate even though the Apple TV 4K will not reach users until November 13.
Sound Glow is a neat visual detail but not a groundbreaking one. The key selling points of the HomePod mini 2 remain its Siri AI support and the new surround sound feature for Apple TV.
Source: AppleInsider · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing