Thanks to the forthcoming iOS 15.1 update, users will finally be able to stream lossless audio to HomePod and HomePod mini. Here is how it works and how to enable it.
Apple HomePod mini
Currently, this feature is in beta. Once Apple releases iOS 15.1 and HomePod update 15.1 this fall, everyone will be able to utilize lossless audio. Until then, only developers and select beta testers will have access to it. If that isn't you, you'll have to wait a little longer.
To stream lossless audio to HomePod and HomePod mini, you'll need those aforementioned software updates as well as a subscription to Apple Music.
How to stream lossless music to HomePod
- Open the Home app
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
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. Just below the lossless audio toggle is a toggle for Dolby Atmos.
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.
While it is now possible to stream both lossless audio and Dolby Atmos spatial audio to HomePod and HomePod mini, you shouldn't expect a huge increase in audio quality.
When these stream lossless audio, they are pulling down the highest resolution version of the audio, but it will still be limited by the speakers themselves. This is especially true of the smaller HomePod mini that lacks the fidelity and bass found in the now-discontinued full-sized HomePod.