Abstract:
The code in the latest system test firmware shows that Apple seems to be developing a major home theater audio upgrade for its HomePod smart speaker, including a surround sound system that supports four speakers and a new "Party Mode". The relevant code was originally discovered in the audioOS 27 beta 8 test version and triggered extensive discussions in the related technology community.
Judging from the underlying software code for the second-generation HomePod, Apple is debugging a surround sound layout consisting of four speakers in the front left, front right, rear left and rear right. Professional acoustic features are included in this four-channel surround configuration, including automatic room calibration, speaker spatial position mapping, acoustic delay adjustment, bass management, equalizer settings, dialogue clarity enhancement, and different audio processing modes for movie and music content. For traditional two-channel stereo content, the system is expected to provide two playback options: users can choose to expand the virtual spatialization of sound to all four speaker outputs, or they can choose to retain only the two front speakers for conventional stereo playback.
A new tuning system called "Forklift" also appeared in the code, which combines two second-generation HomePods with two unknown audio devices with the hardware codename "AID12007". This hardware logo has never appeared in Apple's product lineup before and does not correspond to any existing HomePod model. It is speculated that it may point to the upcoming new HomePod mini, the third-generation HomePod or other unreleased audio hardware products.
In addition, Apple also plans to introduce a new feature called "Party Mode" for HomePod that has a stereo pair. Different from traditional tuning that focuses on a specific "best emperor's seat" listening point, "Party Mode" will generate a more diffuse and uniform sound field, allowing the sound to spread more evenly to all corners of the room, thus creating a more enveloping atmosphere experience for multiple people listening in a party scene.
Currently, Apple’s “Home” application and Apple TV system only support up to two HomePods to form a stereo pair or home theater playback, and the surround sound configuration interface for four devices has not yet been opened. The appearance of the code suggests Apple is actively testing these features internally, though whether it will eventually be officially rolled out to the public remains to be seen. Combined with industry news that Apple may update HomePod mini, Apple TV and launch a new smart home hub with a screen in the near future, this new multi-speaker linkage solution is likely to be a key part of Apple's new generation of smart home audio ecological layout.
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