Apple HomePods tested for 4-speaker surround sound

Apple is reportedly developing significant upgrades for its HomePod smart speaker lineup, including a sophisticated four-speaker surround sound system and a new "Party Mode" feature. Code discovered within the latest audioOS 27 beta software indicates Apple is testing capabilities that would allow users to arrange four HomePods into a quadraphonic setup, a substantial expansion from the current stereo pairing limitation. The unearthed code details a system that assigns distinct roles to speakers placed in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions. According to the findings, front speakers would utilize left and right specific audio processing, while rear HomePods would employ omnidirectional processing designed to fill the space behind and around the listener. This advanced configuration also references features such as automatic room calibration, speaker position mapping, timing adjustments, bass management, and custom equalizer settings, with distinct processing profiles for movies and music. In addition to the surround sound capabilities, the software includes references to a new "Party Mode.