Apple’s HomePod Software 27.2 release candidate brings Sound Glow to more speakers than HomePod mini 2. HomePod (2nd generation) and the original HomePod mini pick up the glowing top, and every HomePod model gets a new Lock Controls setting.
The change is available in the iOS 27.2 release candidate. Sound Glow works on every HomePod except the original, which is the 2018 model, and Lock Controls works on all of them.
Sound Glow reaches HomePod (2nd generation) and the original HomePod mini
Sound Glow debuted on HomePod mini 2, where the top of the speaker glows and pulses with the music. The light takes its colors from the album artwork in Now Playing and reacts to bass and treble in real time. On HomePod mini 2, Apple also lets you pick a soundscape such as rain for softer animations.
With the release candidate, Sound Glow works on three speakers:
- HomePod (2nd generation)
- HomePod mini, the 2020 model with the S5 chip
- HomePod mini 2, which has it out of the box
You need iOS 27.2 on the iPhone and HomePod Software 27.2 on the speaker. Sound Glow then shows up as a single toggle in the HomePod’s settings in the Home app, and it displays ambient light matched to the colors and rhythm of what is playing.
The original HomePod does not get Sound Glow. It also misses the HomePod surround sound setup in the same update, which supports only HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) speakers in matching pairs.
Lock Controls turns off the touch controls on every HomePod, including the original
Lock Controls stops a HomePod from playing audio or taking action when the top of the speaker is touched. Intercom, timers, alarms, Check In, and FaceTime calls still respond to touch.
With the setting on, tap to play or pause, volume changes, and touch and hold for Siri stop working until you switch it off. The setting first appeared in iOS 27.2 beta 4, and in the Home app it sits directly below the Sound Glow toggle.
HomePod Software 27.2 should arrive before HomePod mini 2 ships on October 30
Apple seeded the HomePod Software 27.2 release candidate on October 19, alongside the iOS 27.2 release candidate. A release candidate is normally the last build before the public release. Apple has not announced a date or published release notes for HomePod Software 27.2.
The update has to be live before HomePod mini 2 reaches customers, since the speaker runs HomePod Software 27.2. HomePod mini 2 costs $149 in the US, pre-orders are open, and it goes on sale Friday, October 30.
