Apple tests four-HomePod surround system for Apple TV 4K

Apple currently supports up to two HomePods for movies and music, but code references reveal that it is testing four HomePods for surround sound and spatial audio.

HomePod has failed to gain much traction, likely due in part to the speaker's various limitations regarding supported music services, Siri, and pairing.

Nevertheless, the company apparently continues to develop new software and hardware.

 Read also: Review: Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) as TV speakers


Four HomePods for surround sound
In the latest audioOS 27 beta 8, references have been found to, among other things, "speaker_multichannel_movie_surround.austrip", which pairs up to four speakers wirelessly, according to MacRumors. This only applies to the second-generation HomePod, not the first generation or HomePod mini.

- "References in the software for the second-generation HomePod suggest the ability to tune for a setup with front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right HomePods. The four-speaker surround configuration references automatic room calibration, speaker-position mapping, timing adjustments, bass management, EQ, dialogue enhancement, and different processing modes for movies and music," writes MacRumors .

Today, a maximum of two HomePods can be wirelessly paired for use with music or movies via Apple TV 4K, so although a 5.1 surround or Dolby Atmos soundtrack can be sent to the speakers, it is only played as virtualized surround sound on two physical speakers.

As early as 2019, HomePod surround sound was described in a patent from 2017 filed by Apple, so the company has been working on the technology since at least 2017.


New home products on the way?
It has been a long time since Apple's home products received an upgrade. Rumor has it that a new Apple TV 4K and other products are on the way.

According to Bloomberg, Apple is also working on a new HomePod (3rd Gen) with Siri AI, although it is not expected anytime soon. The code in audioOS 27 beta 8 also references a new HomePod.

The macOS 26.7 beta additionally references two Apple-designed game controllers featuring haptic feedback, a D-pad, thumbsticks and shoulder buttons. They are also said to have an accelerometer and gyroscope. Rumors of Apple game controllers have circulated for years.

 Also read: First impressions: LG's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speakers

With rumors of additional home products such as a home hub display, there are strong indications that the US company will soon unveil its vision for the next phase of the connected home, competing with companies such as Amazon, Google, LG and Samsung, who are also seeking to connect the many devices in your home.

- Source: MacRumors (2)