Apple Says HomePod to Get Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and 7.1 from Apple TV 4K

According to The Verge, Apple has confirmed some new features are coming for your HomePod speaker, in the form of Dolby Atmos support, along with 5.1 and 7.1 channel audio support, via the Apple TV 4K.

“Apple has confirmed to The Verge that an upcoming software update will let the speaker output Dolby Atmos audio as well as 5.1 and 7.1 channel audio from Apple’s streaming box,” explains the publication.

Two HomePod speakers will work best with this Dolby Atmos speaker, but just one HomePod also works. The new HomePod mini will not support these new features. Dolby Atmos fires sound in all areas of your room to create pockets of immersive sound.

HomePod will also get spatial awareness for virtual surround sound, confirms Apple’s website, also known as the “home cinema with Apple TV 4K” feature.

This update brings the HomePod up to the Dolby Atmos level of Amazon’s impressive Echo Studio speaker. It also means the HomePod will make home theatre buffs happy with Dolby Atmos support and more.

HomePod costs $399 CAD each in Canada, so it’s still expensive to pay $800 plus tax for two of these aging speakers (where’s the Spotify support, Apple?). You may be better off with the new Sonos Arc which also supports Dolby Atmos at $999 CAD.

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.