Apple has released HomePod Software 27.2 and tvOS 27.2, bringing a light display called Sound Glow to existing speakers and laying the groundwork for four-speaker home theater audio, MacRumors reports.
Sound Glow on the speaker's top
According to the release notes MacRumors summarized, Sound Glow makes the top surface of the speaker light up in colors that pulse with the music. The colors are drawn from album artwork and work with songs and podcasts as well as Apple's ambient music feature, and the speaker also shows light animations for soundscapes. The feature is listed for the HomePod mini, the HomePod mini 2 and the second-generation HomePod, which means existing owners get it without buying new hardware.
Surround sound with four speakers
The other headline addition is home theater surround sound. MacRumors says tvOS 27.2 adds four-speaker surround, and that the HomePod software ties the feature to the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The setup needs matching front and rear pairs: four HomePod mini 2 units, four second-generation HomePods, or two of each. Because the new Apple TV 4K is not on sale yet, the feature cannot be used until that box arrives.
Smaller changes
The HomePod update also lets a HomePod serve as the audio output for a Mac, with a persistent AirPlay connection, according to the report. A new Lock Controls option disables the touch controls on top of the speaker so accidental taps do not pause music, skip tracks or change the volume.
How to install
Owners can update through the Home app on an iPhone, iPad or Mac: tap More, choose Home Settings, then Software Update. Speakers with automatic updates turned on will install the software on their own. On Apple TV, the update is under Settings, System, Software Update.
Timing
MacRumors notes that the HomePod mini 2 is due to launch on Friday, October 30, and that the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K arrives on November 13. Apple released the updates on October 26 alongside 27.2 releases for its other platforms, including macOS Golden Gate, watchOS and visionOS. Details beyond the points above were not itemized in the coverage reviewed, and Apple says its releases also include unspecified bug fixes and security updates.
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