HomePod 15 Beta 5 Includes Spatial and Lossless Audio GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Smart & Connected Life
HomePod 15 Beta 5 Includes Spatial and Lossless Audio
It could be part of the public iOS 15 release
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 13, 2021 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Apple includes support for spatial and lossless audio in its latest HomePod 15 beta, though the options may not appear for everyone. Some HomePod 15 beta testers have noticed new toggle options for Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio in the newest version (beta 5). With both spatial and lossless audio being tested, it's clear that Apple is planning to publicly release these features on all HomePods in the near future. HomePods can currently utilize Dolby Atmos when connected to an Apple TV 4K, but this update would expand the functionality beyond that specific restriction. Apple 9to5Mac points out that these functions are not appearing for all HomePod 15 beta testers, however. There isn't a pattern to the distribution, but if you're running the newest HomePod 15 beta along with iOS 15, it is possible to check on the Home app. The toggles can be found in Home Settings > your profile > Media > Apple Music, if they're available to you. Apple Once turned on, your HomePod can play music from a supported device in either format. You'll then be able to hear your favorite songs with no audio compression of any kind (lossless) or with immersive surround sound (Dolby Atmos). It doesn't appear as though you can combine the two options simultaneously, however. Apple hasn't yet provided a target date for when spatial and lossless audio for HomePods will become publicly available. It's likely—though not guaranteed—that it plans to roll out the new features along with the public release of iOS 15 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire If You’ve Been Wishing for Apple Music on Xbox, We’ve Got Good News How to Make Phone Calls With Your HomePod New Apple AirPods 3 and Pro 2: Price, Release Date, Specs, and News You Have Options for Lossless Audio Ripping What Is Spatial Audio and How to Use It on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max How to Sign Up for Apple's iOS Public Beta Program How to Use Apple AirPlay With HomePod How to Set up Apple HomePod How to Update a HomePod Mini How to Fix the Most Common HomePod Mini Problems Windows Sonic vs Dolby Atmos: Which Headphones Are Best for Xbox One? Are You Really Getting Dolby Atmos Sound? Everything You Need to Know About Apple Music Everything You Need to Know About Apple HomePod What Is Dolby Atmos Immersive Surround Sound? How To Update Your HomePod Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies