Apple working on new surround sound, Party Mode features for HomePod

Apple is reportedly developing new features for its HomePod speakers, including surround sound capabilities and a feature called Party Mode. This comes based on code references discovered in audioOS 27 beta 8 on MacRumors forums. The new surround sound system would allow for arranging four full-sized HomePod (2nd generation) speakers in a quad configuration.

Each speaker would have its own role and sound treatment, with front speakers using left- and right-specific processing to compensate for proximity to walls and corners. Rear speakers would employ omnidirectional treatment to fill the space behind and around the listener. The code also references dynamic surround sound audio tuning that would allow the quad HomePod system to adjust its processing based on what is being played, such as movies or music.

Additionally, a "Forklift" system is mentioned, which combines two full-sized second-generation HomePod speakers with two other speakers of an unidentified model. Another new feature is "Party Mode," which is said to spread the HomePod's sound into a wider, more ambient mix to fill the room evenly. While it remains to be seen if Apple will actually release these features, the discovery indicates that the company is continuing to enhance the home theater features of its HomePod product line.