Apple has released HomePod 15.1 software update with support for Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos. Lossless Audio with Apple Music supports the original HomePod, as well as the smaller HomePod mini, while Dolby Atmos only supports the original HomePod. The feature was originally announced at WWDC 2021 and was scheduled to be released in Fall, however, it was later delayed.
HomePod 15.1 software update with Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos
Here are the official release notes from Apple:
HomePod Software version 15.1 includes performance and stability improvements and support for these new audio features for HomePod:
- Spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support on HomePod
- Lossless playback with Apple Music on HomePod and HomePod mini
Note that you will have to go to the Home app in iOS, and enable the toggles for Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos to make sure that you get the higher quality audio output.
To use Dolby Atmos, you will not only need the original HomePod, which is not sold anymore, but also Apple TV 4K. HomePod mini does not support Dolby Atmos but will provide Lossless audio output.
Lossless and Spatial Audio support was released for Apple Music in May 2020 as a free upgrade for all users. It allows users to listen to high-resolution audio variants of their favorite songs, as well as experience a 360 audio experience with Spatial Audio.
Apple had previously released HomePod 15 software update which allowed users 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.
How to install HomePod 15.1 software update?
To update HomePod, make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac are already up to date. Open the Home app and go to Home Settings > Software Update. Select HomePod, and wait for the next update to appear. Tap or click on Update once it shows up. During the update, your HomePod will show a white spinning light. It will stop once the update is complete, so make sure that you do not disconnect your HomePod or your connected device during this process.
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