Apple’s iOS 27.2 release candidate, which went out to developers today, includes the iPhone setup flow for surround sound with four HomePods and the new Apple TV 4K (4th generation).
That’s according to pdfu (@itspdfu), who spotted the setup code in the RC and noted it was already included in the iPhone Duo 27.2 simulator runtime. The shared screenshots show three layouts: four full-size HomePods, a HomePod pair up front with HomePod mini 2 speakers in the back, and four HomePod mini 2 units.
Apple announced four-speaker surround support on October 13 alongside the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2. Code for a four-HomePod setup first showed up back in September, and now the iPhone part of the setup is sitting in a build that’s nearly final. The RC follows iOS 27.2 beta 4, which arrived on October 13.
On October 16, pdfu also shared the splash screen for Home Theatre on iPhone. Your Apple TV handles setup and calibration of the surround system, while your iPhone offers to open the Apple TV Remote so you can keep going on the TV. Mixed setups come with a catch: when paired with HomePod (2nd generation), HomePod mini 2 speakers can only serve as rear speakers.
You can’t try Home Theatre yet, since the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) doesn’t hit stores until November 13 and HomePod mini 2 arrives on October 30. Apple hasn’t said which software update switches on Home Theatre for everyone.
In Canada, four HomePod mini 2 speakers plus the new Apple TV 4K come to $1,225 before tax. Going with four full-size HomePods at $479 each pushes the bill to $2,345, so the mixed setup with minis in the back starts to look like the sensible middle ground at $1,785. Or you could look for alternatives such as a setup from Sonos.
Would you build a HomePod surround setup, or stick with a soundbar?
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
