Alongside other new beta updates, Apple has also released HomePod 15.1 beta 1 to developers. This update enables yet another delayed feature from WWDC 2021, which is Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos support for HomePod and HomePod mini. Apple had previously enabled Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos support in HomePod 15 beta 5 but later delayed it for a future update.
Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos support are back with HomePod 15.1 beta
Once you have downloaded and installed the new HomePod 15.1 beta on your HomePod or HomePod mini, go to the Home app in iOS, and enable the toggles for Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos. You will also have to be on iOS 15.1 beta to use these new updates. You can then test the new improved audio output with content from Apple Music or Apple TV.
Note that you will need to have Apple TV 4K to use Dolby Atmos output, and it will only work with the original HomePod. HomePod mini, which is still sold by Apple, will not get support for Dolby Atmos. Lossless audio output works on both HomePod and HomePod mini.
Lossless and Spatial Audio support was added to Apple Music back in May 2020, as a free upgrade for all users. This allows users to listen to high-resolution audio versions of their favorite songs, as well as experience a 360 audio experience with Spatial Audio.
Apple had released HomePod 15 software update a few days which brought the ability to set up HomePod mini as default speakers for Apple TV 4K, enabled bass level customization, and featured updates to Siri for Apple TV and smart device control.
Read more:
- Apple seeds tvOS 15.1 beta to developers
- Apple releases watchOS 8.1 beta 1 to developers
- iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 beta 1 are now available to developers
- Apple re-enables SharePlay in iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, and tvOS 15.1 betas
- iOS 15.1 update will support adding verifiable COVID-19 vaccination card in the Wallet App
