Apple Is Testing a Four-HomePod Surround System, Code Suggests

The useful part

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. For stereo content, the code suggests the ability to either spatialize sound across all four speakers or limit traditional stereo playback to the two front speakers.

How it works

• Apple appears to be working on a new "Party Mode" feature for stereo-paired HomePods.
• Apple appears to be working on some major new HomePod home theater features, including a four-speaker surround sound system and a new "Party Mode," according to code found in audioOS 27 beta 8, and shared...
• The files also reference a new tuning system called "Forklift" that combines two second-generation HomePods with two speakers that use an unidentified AID12007 hardware family.
• We haven't seen this identifier before вЂ" it doesn't correspond to any existing HomePod models вЂ" suggesting it refers to a future HomePod mini, third-generation HomePod, or some other unreleased audio...
• The feature applies a more diffuse sound field that's designed to spread sound more evenly across the room for a more immersive listening experience, rather than optimizing playback for a single listening...