Thanks to the forthcoming iOS 15.1 update, users will finally be able to stream lossless audio to HomePod and HomePod mini. How it works and how to activate it are explained below.
This feature is currently in beta. Lossless audio will become available to everyone once Apple’s iOS 15.1 is released and HomePod update 15.1 goes live in the fall. Only developers and selected beta testers have access until then. It’s not possible to access it if that’s you.
These software updates are required for streaming lossless audio to HomePod, HomePod mini and HomePod mini. You also need an Apple Music subscription.
How to stream lossless music to HomePod
- Open the Home app
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Home app settings
Tap the Home icon located in the top-left corner - Scroll to the bottom and tap Home Settings
- Select your profile under those added to your home
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Lossless audio toggle in the Home app
Within the Media category, toggle on Lossless Audio
The same steps can be followed to toggle on spatial audio. Dolby atmos is available just below the lossless toggle.
Listen up
Listening to lossless audio on our kitchen HomePod
Once enabled, songs played on HomePod or HomePod mini that supports lossless will show the lossless indicator from within the Apple Music app.
It is possible now to stream Dolby atmos spatial audio along with lossless audio to HomePod/HomePod mini. However, audio quality should not be drastically improved.
These stream lossless audio but only the best quality audio. The HomePod mini is particularly affected by this because it lacks bass and fidelity as the full-sized HomePod.
