Apple's audioOS 27 code suggests new HomePod surround sound and Party Mode features

New HomePod Features Discovered in audioOS Code

Code references found in audioOS 27 beta 8 suggest Apple is working on several new features for its HomePod smart speakers. These discoveries were made by a user on the MacRumors forums.

Quad HomePod Surround Sound System

One notable development is support for configuring four full-sized HomePod (2nd generation) speakers into a surround sound system. Currently, HomePods support stereo pairing with Apple TV. In this quad setup, each speaker would have a specific role and sound processing, with front speakers handling left and right channels and rear speakers providing omnidirectional sound.

The new tuning includes a processing pipeline to manage each HomePod's woofer and tweeters, controlling bass, EQ, synchronization, and calibration. The code also references dynamic surround sound audio tuning, allowing the system to adapt processing based on content like movies or music.

Party Mode and Forklift System

Another referenced feature is "Party Mode," which would spread the HomePod's sound into a wider, more ambient mix to fill a room evenly, rather than creating a specific listening spot. Additionally, a "Forklift" system is mentioned, appearing to combine two second-generation HomePods with two other unidentified speakers.

Future HomePod Developments

While these features are in development, it is not confirmed if Apple will release them. This information follows recent reports that Apple may release a new HomePod mini soon and is testing a new full-sized HomePod, though that product is not imminent. Apple's current full-sized HomePod was released in February 2023.