Apple's iOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and HomePod Software 27.2 updates, seeded today, add support for four-speaker surround sound on the new Apple TV 4K ahead of its launch.
Setting up a HomePod home theater is done directly on the Apple TV, though users can also start the process with the Apple TV remote app on iPhone. With the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, you can use four HomePod mini 2 speakers, four second-generation HomePods, or two HomePods and two HomePod mini 2 speakers for surround sound, as long as each pair matches. The original HomePod and original HomePod mini can't be used for surround sound, and older Apple TV models don't support the feature.
Combining HomePod speakers with an Apple TV creates a home theater grouping, and the speakers are treated as a single accessory rather than separate audio devices. The speakers can detect their position in the room to calibrate timing and levels.
The HomePod mini 2 launches on October 30, while the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K arrives on November 13. Both devices can be pre-ordered from Apple. Updates to iOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and HomePod Software 27.2 are expected next week.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing