Some HomePod Mini 2 Buyers Returning Units Over Mac Speaker Issues

Apple's new HomePod mini 2 speakers boast a feature allowing them to function as a Mac's default speakers, but users are encountering issues with this functionality. Some owners have already returned the units based on MacRumors forum reports. The HomePod mini 2 can be used as the default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E or later.

This feature was introduced with HomePod Software 27.2 and requires macOS 27.2. It is intended to work over a responsive and persistent AirPlay connection or a wireless point-to-point link that remains active during restarts and sleep. However, new HomePod mini 2 owners are facing two problems. For some, the persistent connection option never appears, even on hardware meeting Apple's stated requirements.

Others find that the connection works initially but then the Mac switches back to its built-in speakers after sleep, restarts, or even after a single notification sound. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy experienced the former issue, with the persistent-output option failing to show up on her Mac mini M4, leading to audio artifacts, dropouts, and speaker switching.

The latter problem, more prevalent according to forum reports, involves the "Play sound effects through" option reverting to the Mac's built-in speakers after a minute, and even forgetting the HomePods entirely after a single notification sound. Several forum members have reported similar failures, with at least two stating they plan to return the speakers.

The cause of these issues remains unclear, though one Redditor's logs suggest the point-to-point connection fails on a 6GHz network, with audio falling back to standard AirPlay. Moving the speakers to a 5GHz-only network reportedly restored the low-latency persistent mode.