Apple’s new Apple TV 4K can now connect to four HomePods at once, letting you build a surround sound system with Apple speakers instead of a traditional home theater setup.
The feature is exclusive to the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, announced October 13, and supports a combination of HomePod 2 and the newly introduced HomePod mini 2.
But there’s a catch for anyone who already owns older HomePods.
How four-HomePod surround sound works
Previous Apple TV 4K models supported up to two HomePods for stereo audio. The new model doubles that number, letting you place two speakers at the front of the room and two behind the listening area.
Apple requires matching speakers within each pair, although the front and rear pairs can use different models.
For example, you can place two full-sized HomePod 2 speakers near your television and use two HomePod mini 2 speakers behind your couch. You just can’t pair a HomePod 2 with a HomePod mini 2 in the same front or rear pair.
The system uses computational audio to automatically adjust timing and volume based on speaker placement, reducing the need to configure individual speakers manually.
Older HomePods won’t work with the new setup
The biggest limitation is compatibility. First-generation HomePods and the original HomePod mini aren’t supported, even if you already use them as a stereo pair with your Apple TV.
To take advantage of four-speaker surround sound, you’ll need compatible HomePod 2 or HomePod mini 2 speakers.
The feature also requires the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. Older Apple TV 4K models remain limited to two HomePods and won’t receive four-speaker support through a software update.
Building the system from scratch won’t be cheap, either. The new Apple TV 4K costs $299 before purchasing any speakers, and adding four compatible HomePods significantly increases the total.
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is available for preorder now and ships November 13.
