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u/sgorneau Midnight 2d ago
As someone with 2 HomePod (OGs) and 8 minis ... this is so fucking disappointing.
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u/930g 2d ago
I also have 2 OGs paired with a Apple TV 4K gen 1 which have been fantastic since release
Was gonna upgrade the Apple TV box and pair a couple of new HomePods on to make 4 but I guess this news saves me £1000 on stuff I honestly don’t need
The ogs as a pair have more then good enough sound as it is so long may they live on!
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u/sgorneau Midnight 2d ago
My complaint isn't about the quality of the OGs and Gen 1 minis themselves .. they sound great. My complaint is that I currently have 2 OGs and 2 minis setup on an Apple TV and won't be able to make use of immersive surround sound. There is no way I'm investing in new HomePods specifically for this; especially since I'm certain, with the new AppleTV, the gen 1 speakers could support this.
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u/Jaystarks Space Gray 1d ago
I have the exact same setup.
Apple Tv 4k 1st gen and a pair of HomePod 1 gen.
If i could pair 2og’s + 2nd gen HomePod i would of went for it…Have to completely restart from zero.
New Apple Tv 4k 4th gen + 4 New HomePods that way too much…1
u/Weeksy79 2d ago
Nah, me and you are both gonna be in CEX trading in our OGs for new ones within a few weeks!
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u/Afterlight91 Space Gray 2d ago
Indeed brother, very anticlimactic for OG HomePod users. I wouldn’t have minded as much if they dropped HomePod 3 or a HomePod Pro as that would have given a reason to upgrade anyhow!
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u/falafelnaut 2d ago
yea even if I want to go all-in on HomePod surround, I'm not investing until they update the big HomePod
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u/Disastrous_Trick3545 2d ago
Sucks ass that it is restricted to tv 4th gen only. c'mon...
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u/Mlabonte21 2d ago
I could've stomached that at the ORIGINAL Apple TV prices of $149.
But $300 for a new Apple TV is a real kick to the nuts....
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u/Ph455ki1 2d ago
I mean.. it was very much expected they're not going to make it backwards compatible, because fuck your wallet, that's why
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u/ProfessionalWeek2256 2d ago
I thought they would just lock the Siri stuff to the new one but they probably realized no one is upgrading for just new Siri and AV1 support
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u/Great-Equipment 1d ago
Yeah. I could see myself buying 2 HomePod mini 2's for rear speaker use but having to update the Apple TV as well seems forced. Since the setup requires newer speakers that probably do the calibrating on-device, what even is the role of the Apple TV than just manage audio streams? If the Apple TV is playing a bigger role in orchestration why couldn't it support older speakers then as well, maybe with a one-off calibration run?
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u/j1h15233 2d ago
So basically you need a new Apple TV and four new speakers to even start this. That’s quite the investment
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
They really should sell a home theater bundle.
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u/j1h15233 2d ago
Even still it would be as much or more than another surround sound system
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
A full 7.1 surround sound setup is already at least $1K or more than that.
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u/spronski 2d ago
But a “real” souround setup uses only one outlet, has an optical in/out, hdmi pass through, a separate subwoofer etc.
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u/ProfessionalWeek2256 2d ago
I mean thats fine it doesn't need to be cheaper than other systems. Sell a bundle at a little less than each part individual that way people aren't guessing whether they have the correct apple tv and homepod combo. Seems like a simple thing on their website when someone is buying either a homepod or apple tv to ask would they like to create a surround sound bundle and add the other devices they'd need.
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u/j1h15233 2d ago
I agree but the higher price of the Apple TV is what makes this a hard sell now
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u/marcgarciamarti 2d ago
I hope somebody finds a way to get previous Apple TVs support this. I own a 4k 3rd gen. They’ve got to be kidding me.
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u/sgorneau Midnight 2d ago
I have no problem with the new AppleTV being required for this since it relies on an internal mic. But I do have a very big problem with them requiring all new HomePods to do this. That's crazy (and unnecessary).
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u/faapf 2d ago
Yup, I have two mini stereo setup and a 3rd gen 4k atv, was ready to buy a new gen 4k atv+two regular HomePod 2nd gen, but the full on replacement is not worth for the time being, what could be an “easy” sell will be on hold for a couple of years
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u/wubwubDJ 2d ago
Similar position as you. I have two HomePod 2nd gen and bought my 4k unit 6 months ago. I would easily buy 2 minis for surround, but I’ll have to wait and see if it comes to 3rd gen I guess.
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u/WhisperOfMalice 2d ago
What do you mean relies on the mic? i have my Apple TV in my tv cabinet with the doors closed. What happens in this case?
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u/sgorneau Midnight 2d ago
The new AppleTV has three far-field mics used for isolating incoming sound; I imagine this is used for distance and timing when processing audio timing and level for each speaker.
If you're not planning on using 4 speaker immersive sound and don't plan on using voice commands, you can continue using it as you are.
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u/Manifoo 2d ago
I thought the gen 2 work with it?
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u/sgorneau Midnight 2d ago
All new "in my setup", that is. There is no reason Gen 1 OGs and minis can't work with this ... it's primarily a new capability of the AppleTV.
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u/tysonedwards 2d ago
Especially where Gen2 HomePods were a step down from Gen1 in audio quality, speaker count, etc. Hardly an "upgrade".
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u/Great-Equipment 1d ago
Really? Is it confirmed that Apple TV's internal mics are required for surround? Then the placement of the Apple TV is also more restricted than before? Many people keep it hidden behind the TV and I have kept it in hidden behind TV bench doors with other stuff like Blu-Ray player, and I have liked it that way.
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u/XmasRights 2d ago
Was super excited, until I found out it requires the new $299 Apple TV, and does NOT work with the Gen 1 HomePod mini 😔
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u/JThrillington Space Gray 2d ago
I have 2 OG HomePods and 2 OG Minis, and a 2022 4K TV: hard to justify upgrading an entire set up for this.
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u/johndoes_00 2d ago
I’m pretty sure that for 99% of the people Dolby atmos via 2 HomePods is more than enough.
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u/HardHJ 2d ago
Yes finally! Just have to buy a new $300 Apple TV. And then two HomePod 2 for $350 each and then another two HomePod mini 2 for $150 each. Cheapest setup you could do is going to be $900. And that’s having 4 mini 2. Might as well get a real surround sound system.
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u/EnigmaticThunder 2d ago
I’m lost what the premium is for. Looking at even Samsung and Sony entry level setups like…what am I missing here
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u/redbeard8989 2d ago
You people keep forgetting this is targeted at those who like easy set-ups. Apple has always been about ease over customization and power. They rode that ideology to multiple trillions of dollars. I don’t think they will change any time soon.
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u/Anselwithmac 2d ago
Also, Apple’s original first-gen homepod was rated nearly perfect by audiophiles in the home speaker category. They have probably the only working self-calibrating audio system in the industry.
I fully expect this system is actually wow people. It looks like a gimmick but they’ve done the 2 homepod setup before. This update is now for four.
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u/Niightstalker 2d ago
Pretty sure that this targets instead mostly users who already have 2 of the big HomePods which want better so surround sound. So now you have the option to extend the setup instead of switching to something else
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u/HardHJ 2d ago
Yeah if you already have two of the big HomePods then you are off to a way better start. Still the Apple TV for $300 feels insane.
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u/ludicrouspeed 2d ago
This setup works for me. I have 2 gen 2 HomePods I got on sale for $170 years ago. To me this competes with Sonos so it’s a good deal imo. Now I’ll need a couple of minis and the TV.
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u/Neat_Nefariousness46 2d ago
Yeah, no thanks, unless you have all the HomePods already, and just upgrade the Apple TV, even then the price is too much VS a dedicated audio solution. Especially considering the issues I’ve had with just a stereo pair and Apple TV over the years.
Apple really hasn’t been doing a lot to really sell you on why you need some of their products (and that’s before price hikes) - I say this as someone with a bunch of Apple products - but staying in the ecosystem is getting expensive and I’m probably going to shrink down to just iPhones and some version of Mac eventually, and that’s just because of the convenience of iCloud Photos really.
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u/Branagh-Doyle 2d ago
So lets see. 350 euros for the new Apple TV plus 1596 euros for FOUR big Homepods.
Jesus Christ.
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u/bbroecker37 2d ago
Do people really want to buy 4 home pods to use in a surround sound setup? I feel like it would be better to buy a proper sound bar with airplay 2 support. The soundbar I have can group with my home pods and has much better sound since it has a subwoofer.
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
I already have two HomePods, so I’ll get two more since the setup is easy and minimal. I was also already planning to upgrade my Apple TV.
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u/bbroecker37 2d ago
I figured it would be easy and minimal. but it only outputs sound from apple tv right?
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
Nope, you can use eARC for two HomePods to play any audio from your TV. I use it for gaming all the time and it sounds great.
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u/bbroecker37 2d ago
Wow that's pretty cool I had no idea it worked like that.
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u/borghe 2d ago
It’s sort of better than that. Currently ARC only broadcasts itself as stereo, for like video game consoles and such. So hopefully this means ATV4K will broadcast itself as surround. Hopefully it can take in LPCM5.1/7.1
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u/spronski 2d ago
Dont you want to put your homepods around the house, and not group them around the tv? Seems like such a waste ..
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
I’ve already had a Frankenstein setup with multiple HomePods and it sounds great. I’ve been writing to Apple asking for this feature for a long time, so I’m going to check it out. I mainly watch everything in my basement which has an 85” TV.
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u/Masam10 2d ago
A full 7.1 or 7.2.1 setup is north of 1k. Apple TV plus 4 HomePods is less than that so is a real solid budget option for someone looking for easy wireless home surround sound.
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u/Agedrobin 2d ago
In the US the new AppleTV is $299, full size HomePods are $350, and the Mini 2 is $149. So assuming full size in the front and minis in the back, you are looking at $1,300. Not all that far from a good soundbar setup. I can see the appeal. I also think it’s a different product and more versatile system than a soundbar.
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u/sgorneau Midnight 2d ago
A new AppleTV ($300), 2 HomePod 2nd Gen ($700) and 2 HomePod mini 2 ($300) is $1300. You can't assume 4 minis would be comparable to a dedicated 7.1 system with a sub.
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u/tysonedwards 2d ago
I'd also called out that "I had HomePods before I had a TV I wanted to use surround sound with."
Then I got a nice enough TV that I'd want good sound, so set up 2 of them as a stereo pair. It was easy enough to juggle things between rooms to make a "good enough" setup with stuff I already had. After all, HomePods in each room for intercom is pretty easy to do piecemeal over time. At that point it's then just deciding "I don't really need one while doing laundry... I'll try this as a home theater..."
However, I would not buy them new to do the same.
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u/chitoatx 2d ago
Four HomePod 2’s and a new Apple TV is almost 2 grand. JBL 7.1 Bar 700MK2 is nearly a 3rd the price. ($750 at Crutchfield).
HomePod mini’s are not comparable to a non-Apple system with a dedicated subwoofer (or two).
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u/peterk10 2d ago
I’ve prayed for days like this. Definitely ass that it requires all new generations for the people that have a bunch of current gen already though
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u/Bieberkinz 2d ago
Just tough being 1 HomePod mini away from this. Understood spending $300 on a new TV, but to add another $300 for another pair of minis, just tough.
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u/bd027763 2d ago
if only apple tv can treat soundbar as default like homepod, then adding two homepods as rear… would be grand but just a wishful thinking.
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u/getridofwires 2d ago
Might be better off buying a standard amp and speakers from Best Buy or Amazon on sale, like Black Friday. Plus you can get a subwoofer which isn't an option in this setup.
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u/Qwerky42O Midnight 2d ago
I’m going to need an official explanation. Hardware limits with the S5 HomePods I might buy an excuse. But if the key is the new Apple TV, let’s not act like the A15 is a slouch. There’s no thermal limit you’ve got to be within like iPhone. There’s no worry about battery life. Push the damn silicon and give people bang for their buck
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u/holitaish 2d ago
I wonder if the sound from the HomePod mini 2 is better or just the same
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
Doesn’t seem to have any hardware upgrades aside from the chip, so it might be the same. But I think the upgraded chip allows it to function as a better speaker with this setup.
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u/Fabulous-Mission-546 2d ago
Is it really a hardware limitation with the older Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, or is Apple just trying to force people to buy new ones? That’s worth looking into.
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u/THABSUP 2d ago
Yeah I saw that and was excited for a full second before I realized it was limited to the newest versions of all of those devices... I have OG homepods. :(
So I'll stick to my wired 5.1 theater setup which is probably better anyway. But it was still nice to see that they were working on this. Very glad for people that already had the newest stuff or needed to upgrade anyway!
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u/starlordsego 2d ago
The announcement states "Home theater surround sound requires four HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini 2 speakers in matching pairs (front and rear)".
Does this mean I need 4 of the same speaker for this to work? Or can I do two 2nd gen's in the front and two minis in the back? It kind of reads both ways, so just curious if anyone knows? I'm sure I could ask a specialist, but can't get to a store until this weekend.
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
If I understand it correctly, you can do four 2nd gen HomePods, two 2nd gen HomePods with two 2nd gen minis, or four 2nd gen minis.
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u/starlordsego 2d ago
That’s how I read it as well. As long as the pairs are the same, that’s all that matters
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u/wattleferdz 1d ago
This is also my wonder. Hope we can mix n’ match because it wouldn’t make sense to buy 2 more Homepods 2 to experience surround sound when homepod mini 2s can do the job.
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u/itstheskylion 1d ago
It can be 2 2nd gen in front and 2 2nd gen in rear. The image actually shows this above
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u/Embarrassed-Sea1685 1d ago
I’m so fucking pissed off. I’ve been messaging Apple for years about doing this. I’m pissed I bought a 7.2 home theater system. Yeah, I know it’s not the same but I’m still fucking pissed.
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u/chrisGNR 1d ago
Why are you mad you bought a 7.2 home theater system? It’s superior to this four HomePod setup, more versatile, and future proof.
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u/Embarrassed-Sea1685 14h ago
It will be better for sure. It’s also been 10x the price.
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u/chrisGNR 6h ago
HomePods aren’t very reliable. Some days, they can’t handle Airplay from my phone/Spotify. And it isn’t my home network cause I never have issues with Airplay on my Denon receiver.
Also, they become obsolete when Apple releases a next-gen version. Same as how gen 1 HomePod minis won’t link up with these new ones.
The four channel HomePod theater would be dope if we were still at old price points of $150 Apple TV, $99 speakers.
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u/MacintoshDan1 2d ago
I have no idea why someone would do this over a dedicated system which you can get for the same price. It’s senseless.
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u/Weeksy79 2d ago
No extra remote, no wiring other than power, aesthetics, simplicity of use, Apple ecosystem (intercom, Siri, etc.)
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u/AlarmedBroccoli4263 2d ago
Yep, the simplicity of it and the sound quality is excellent for the average person.
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u/Blazerede 2d ago
You said Siri like that’s a plus lmao
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u/Toillion 4h ago
Also the Apple TV has Siri so why would anyone need 4 additional devices in the same room for that lol.
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u/NoStoppin1 18h ago
I could imagine this being done for aesthetic reasons, might appeal to minimalist or ultramodern types.
It would be cool to allow unlimited HomePods and have 3d audio everywhere. The microphones could help tune the house and provide level matching and room correcting between different systems, like my TV room, living room, and the other 7 pair scattered around the house.
And wouldn’t it be cool if the whole house speakers could be used for active noise canceling, eliminating traffic, siren, airplane noise
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u/tonjohn 2d ago
How much does a comparable Sonos setup cost?
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u/hi_im_bored13 2d ago
2x HomePod + 2x mini + atv is $1.3k, its $1.35k for the immersive set w/ beam but that comes w/ an actual sub & significantly nicer surrounds
& then an onn 4k or google tv streamer brings it up to $1.4k
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u/ajnails 1d ago
I might do this because I’m not in a position to get a sound bar. This set up is truly wireless (besides power).
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u/MacintoshDan1 23h ago
Power is the most difficult to find. A soundbar with a wireless sub and wired satellites to the sub only requires one plug and is easier to route.
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u/ajnails 22h ago
The HomePod setup doesn’t require an HDMI connection to TV. I tried a soundbar on my mantle and I didn’t like it. I’ll probably try the 4 HomePod setup. The bigger HomePod actually packs quite a punch.
I agree the traditional soundbar setup is better in 9/10 cases but in my case it doesn’t.
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u/grisworld0_0 2d ago
Does it work with homepod g2 and homepod mini g1 and apple tv4k last gen?
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
Nope, it only works with Gen 2 speakers paired with the new 4th generation Apple TV box.
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u/azsmokechaser 2d ago
Yea don’t think I will spend 600 for an Apple TV and home view and $600 for Home pods too. Black Friday I doubt they will be cheaper .
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u/DrDing-Muscle 2d ago
Does it have to be the new HomePod mini 2 or does this work with the HomePod mini 1 as well?
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
It has to be the mini 2
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u/DrDing-Muscle 2d ago
Figured so. Not looking to buy a new Apple TV plus 4 new minis. Thanks for the info.
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u/ILikeTheTinMan83 2d ago
You can also use two retailer home pod 2 as fronts and two home mini 2 as rears
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u/thaiterps 2d ago
I would have upgraded the Apple TV and got 2 new minis if I could have used them in surround. But I guess I’m good with gen 3 and a 2 mini pair.
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u/orangeclaypot 2d ago
can you trade in homepod mini 1s for 2s. this is so annoying i have 3 minis and now theres a 2 that looks exactly the same but has all this extra capability
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u/MiLeX84 2d ago
All we need now is a home-woofer. 😂
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u/GabrielMSharp 2d ago
I already have one. she's a Labrador and doubles as a door bell so very cost efficient
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u/TheMrMcSwagger 18h ago
Can’t be that cost effective, you’re home woofer comes with a subscription to 35 pounds of dog kibble a month 😂
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u/borghe 2d ago
Big warning to folks wanting to do this for ARC with ATV4k and HomePods. There IS huge delay by default when using ARC so the quality will be dependent on how well your tv lets you adjust audio delay. And for video games specifically.. it makes playing games that require insanely precise timing (aka most competitive shooters) play pretty poor.
Not knocking it at all. I use it currently in stereo. But yeah there are a few drawbacks depending on your tv and what types of games you play.
Edit -this is specifically for video over arc. Audio and video from Apple TV box is basically flawlessly synced. But the first time you try playing your switch or PlayStation over the HomePods you’ll notice it’s a few hundred ms behind the video. Most tvs have an audio delay setting or calibration.
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
I haven’t had any issues with audio delay on eARC with my Sony BRAVIA 7. Maybe it depends on your TV?
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u/borghe 2d ago
maybe. On my 2018 TCL I have to run an audio delay tool in the Roku remote app on my phone. It uses the camera to record flashes on the screen and sends audio out the HomePods (ARC). Without running that, audio is off by a few hundred ms. Running the app a few times, audio is off by less than 50ms (which for me is good enough for the games I play. lip sync is close enough as well)
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
Ah, it’s probably because it’s not eARC then. Mine is wired through the HDMI cable.
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u/ILikeTheTinMan83 2d ago
That’s because your tv isn’t eARC. Arc doesn’t have the bandwidth that eARC has
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u/ethang45 2d ago
so to clarify do we know if earc supports using 4 homepods?
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u/borghe 2d ago
Yes, but only with the fourth gen Apple TV 4K
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u/ethang45 2d ago
cool thank you. time to start saving for two new apple tvs and quite a few more gen two homepods!!
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u/el-caballero-oscuro 2d ago
And what happens when the diode blows on one of the speakers in a pair?
Apple will most certainly claim their products don’t have any diode issue. I suppose Nic’s fix business is about to explode!
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u/wish_you_a_nice_day 2d ago
Time to sell my OG HomePods. You think anyone would want to buy it? Lol
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u/Anonym0oO White 2d ago
New Mini 2 is 170 bucks here in Germany, old version was 130 after the price hike
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u/Nickand1 2d ago edited 2d ago
I was really hoping that I could connect my pair of Homepod 2 with another pair of Homepod 2 mini (like the photo !!). Not willing to buy another pair of full-sized Homepods
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u/Manson2612 2d ago
A full surround sound is great but not at the price of the new Apple TV. Apple has gone completely backward with pricing on this at $ 300. At this price it’s just become a ridiculously expensive hobby now. The Apple TV is just not worth that money. Best price should be $149.
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u/texasts1958 2d ago
Don’t think I’m ready for this setup. Besides I’ve already got 5.1 surround. It’s a lot of money for the sound you get out of them.
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u/SmallYerrow 2d ago
Now if they could get AirPlay to reliably connect.
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u/chrisGNR 1d ago
Bruh, I’ve never been more frustrated with an Apple product than I am with the fucking HomePods and the random ass audio skipping.
No other smart speaker has given me similar issues. 😆
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u/Human-Aardvark-5233 2d ago
I’m still not clear. Can I have my HomePod gen2 in the front and HomePod mini’s in the back or do I need 4 of the same
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u/NECESolarGuy 2d ago
Will this work with OG Home pods? I have two already on my tv and two I don’t use at the moment. I don’t mind upgrading my Apple TV. Edit: never mind. Saw a post that says gen 2 only. :-(
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u/riverbrownbear083 2d ago
I have two gen two HomePods and two 3rd gen Apple TV 5k Ethernet it now I just wanna sell em all and move on I mean I don’t see why a lot of these features couldn’t work with the existing hardware save for Siri AI which is meh
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u/chrisbrandow 2d ago
Can you do a single HomePod in “the front” and a pair of minis for “the back”. I haven’t seen that addressed exactly. But I’m guessing no.
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u/Senorbuzzzzy 1d ago
That is my set up and I’m not touching it for a new set unless it sounds better.
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u/arbys4life 1d ago
Should’ve just introduced a dedicated soundbar and sub to compete with Sonos. Then allow whatever gen HomePods people currently own to be placed as fronts and rears. Just push a firmware update to allow it to all connect together seamlessly. That seems way more logical.
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u/pinkydrew 1d ago
Can’t wait for all four speaks to start blasting music I never listen to at 2am while I’m trying to sleep.
Would be happier if they fixed the ghost in the machine before they did this…
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u/rocketplex 1d ago
I could probably just about talk myself into buying a couple new minis whenever I upgraded the AppleTV but a whole new setup is just absurd. There's absolutely nothing worth upgrading for at all.
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u/Alarmed_Business8610 1d ago
Yeah? So does a good home theater system with more power than those HomePods.
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u/Lagerspice 1d ago
Mine still play random rave or reggae at 2am from music that isn’t even in my library. Why would I double down on the misery with another 2 speakers.
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u/TacoTrain89 1d ago
Honestly this is probably pretty good. I'd totally set this up if I didn't already have a surround sound system.
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u/TheMrMcSwagger 18h ago
HomePods can’t rattle your walls with bass, you can bet a decent surround sound set up for a little more money that will knock your socks off. I suppose in an apartment situation this might be decent.
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u/Jesusthe33rd 9h ago
Four speakers is quadrophonic sound. Not surround. Pink Floyd sis this in the 70s.
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u/thedonhudson01 2d ago
Per Apple, “Home theater surround sound requires four HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini 2 speakers in matching pairs (front and rear), paired with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) running the latest operating system software.”