Apple's HomePod smart speakers are a step closer to fully supporting Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and lossless playback. The latest beta software update allows both the HomePod (now discontinued) and HomePod Mini to support both features via Apple Music, 9to5Mac reports.
Download the latest beta, and you'll see toggles for both (pictured above). But the catch is that not all beta testers will see them. To check if you can, make sure you're running the latest iOS 15 and HomePod betas (the latter is HomePod 15 beta 5), open the Home app, tap Home > Home settings, and then your profile. Tap Media > Apple Music, and then you should see the Apple Lossless/Dolby Atmos toggles.
Apple had previously said it would bring both features to its HomePods, but didn't say when. With this beta, it looks like a full rollout will happen sooner rather than later.
Previously, you could only enjoy Dolby Atmos through the HomePod with the speaker paired to an Apple TV 4K.
Apple rolled out Apple Music lossless and Spatial Audio back in June, offering around 20 million tracks in lossless resolution. Its full catalogue of over 75 million tracks is due to be available in lossless by the end of this year.
Lossless tracks can only be heard through specific products, so be sure to check out our handy guide to which devices will and won't play lossless to make sure yours are compatible.
Spatial Audio is designed to deliver 3D surround sound to any pair of headphones (here's how to enable it). It also works with iPhone, iPad and Mac built-in speakers.
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What is Apple Spatial Audio? And how do you get it?
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