Along with the beta versions of iOS 15.1 and tvOS 15.1, Apple also seeded the next update for the HomePod lineup. With HomePod software version 15.1, Apple is welcoming back a couple of features that have been in the works for quite some time. Both of which should be welcomed additions to the smart speaker lineup.
Unlike iOS 15.1, HomePod software version 15.1 isn’t available as a beta seed. Even for testing purposes. It’s only available by an invite-only basis. But, as noted today by 9to5Mac, the prerelease software does welcome back both Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos support. Which means, with the latter feature, spatial audio is supported in the smart speakers.
Apple has been working towards this reality for quite some time. Back in July, with a beta version of HomePod 15, Apple added Lossless Audio support. So this has been a longtime coming. But, with the features back in the mix with this latest test, it seems Apple is closer to actually launching the features to the public.
These features are supported in iOS 15.1 in the Home app now. Users who have that prerelease software available to them can turn these features on. However, they won’t actually work unless you have HomePod software version 15 installed on the paired smart speakers.
There’s no word quite yet when we’ll get iOS 15.1 and tvOS 15.1, along with HomePod 15.1, but hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.