Apple has released HomePod Software 27.2, and Sound Glow now works on the HomePod (2nd generation) and the HomePod mini. The update also adds a Lock Controls setting that switches off the touch surface on every HomePod.
It adds four-speaker surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K (4th generation) and lets you use a HomePod as the audio output for your Mac. To install it, open the Home app on an iPhone, iPad or Mac, tap the More button, choose Home Settings, then Software Update, or leave automatic updates on. It also shipped alongside tvOS 27.2.
Sound Glow works on three HomePod models
Sound Glow turns the top of the speaker into a visual display that pulses and glows in sync with your media. The colors come from album artwork, it works with songs, podcasts and ambient music, and it shows matching light animations for soundscapes. It debuted on HomePod mini 2, and HomePod Software 27.2 brings it to the HomePod (2nd generation) and the HomePod mini.
The original HomePod from 2018 does not get it. On the models that do, Sound Glow shows up as a toggle in the speaker’s settings in the Home app, and you need iOS 27.2 on the iPhone.
Lock Controls stops accidental taps on every HomePod
Lock Controls disables the touch controls on top of the HomePod, so a stray tap does not pause the music, skip a song or change the volume. Intercom, timers, alarms, Check In and FaceTime calls still respond to touch.
The setting sits directly below the Sound Glow toggle in the Home app and works on every HomePod model, including the original.
Your Mac can use a HomePod, and four speakers can make a surround system
HomePod speakers with your Mac lets you set a HomePod as the audio output for everything you do on the Mac, over a responsive and persistent AirPlay connection.
The surround setup connects four HomePod speakers to the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) and needs matching front and rear pairs of HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation). The original HomePod and the original HomePod mini are not supported, and the new Apple TV 4K is required. The original HomePod mini still does not get Siri AI.
Here are the full release notes from Apple:
HomePod software version 27.2 brings the new Sound Glow visual experience, home theater surround sound with Apple TV 4K (4th generation), and support for using HomePod speakers with your Mac, along with bug fixes and security updates for your HomePod.
Sound Glow on HomePod mini, HomePod mini 2, and HomePod (2nd generation) turns the top of HomePod into a visual display that pulses and glows in sync with your media and shows matching light animations for soundscapes.
Home theater surround sound supports connecting four HomePod speakers to Apple TV 4K (4th generation) for an immersive listening experience. Requires matching front and rear pairs of HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation).
HomePod speakers with your Mac lets you set HomePod as the audio output for everything you do on your Mac, with a responsive and persistent AirPlay connection.
Lock controls let you disable the touch controls on top of HomePod to prevent accidental taps from pausing music, skipping songs, or changing the volume.
